Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but within Together resides a intense examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the country for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
