We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard body horror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, interspersing moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
