We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
