Consider this a test for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to 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 ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
