We present a challenge for long-term couples who appreciate the horror genre: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
