Consider this a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his network of friends. He fears the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
