Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
