Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
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 Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
