Here's a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the rural area for her career. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship a decade in. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
