Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that come with long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
