Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like conventional body horror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
