Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
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 stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his network of friends. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
