We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate horror films: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard physical horror, but inside Together lies a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
