We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but inside Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
