Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, 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 current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
