We present a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together exists a deep examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He dreads the notion of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
