We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate horror films: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the sort of issues that come with long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
