Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
