We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together lies a intense meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that come with most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
