Consider this a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
