Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like conventional biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is 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 been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward 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 streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
