Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together resides a deep meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
