Consider this a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy horror films: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like standard physical horror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each 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 codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
