We present a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together resides a deep meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the country for her career. A familiar narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements 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 view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
