We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for over ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
