We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
