We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but beneath Together exists a intense examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple move from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking 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 starts to affect the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
