Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
