Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is 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 over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
