Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like conventional body horror, but beneath Together resides a deep examination about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
