Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like conventional body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim transition from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
