Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
