Here's a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.