Consider this a dare for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie move from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He dreads the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
