Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. 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 far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
