Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly 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 country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
