We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy the horror genre: Get comfortable with your partner and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion 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.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
