Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like typical body horror, but inside Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
