We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
