Here's a dare for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story commences when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.