We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together resides a profound examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
