Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
