We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple confront the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
