We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
