Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half 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 as of this moment.