Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches cease. Together evolves 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 trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
