We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He fears the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that come with most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
