Here's a test for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like conventional body horror, but within Together lies a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
