Here's a test for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases 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, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
