Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard biological terror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar 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 pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. 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 never makes either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve 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 identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
