Here's a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
