Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that come with long-term unions 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 beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
