We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
