We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together resides a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
