We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard body horror, but inside Together lies a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes 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 violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
