Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but inside Together resides a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
