Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers 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 countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
