Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together neatly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
