Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
