Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard physical horror, but beneath Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple transition from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
