Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical physical horror, but inside Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
