Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but inside Together exists a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
