Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
