We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The story starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
