Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to pursue anything but 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 left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
