Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical body horror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant 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 utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu now.
