Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render 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 gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
