We present a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
