Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together resides a profound meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves 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 rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
