Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional body horror, but inside Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple face the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
