Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
