Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
