Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other 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 enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
