Here's a dare for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard physical horror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He dreads the idea of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
