Here's a dare for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but inside Together lies a profound examination about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
