Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
