We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases 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 particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable 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 act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
