We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped 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 inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
