We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together lies a intense meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.