We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but inside Together lies a deep meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that come with most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion 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 glance toward your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
