Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical biological terror, but inside Together lies a intense meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.