Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard physical horror, but inside Together resides a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
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 exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
