We present a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the rural area for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
