Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
