Here's a dare for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but inside Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
