Consider this a dare for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “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 as of this moment.
