Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He fears the concept of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
