We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate horror films: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
