Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to another person, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
