We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
