We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
