Consider this a dare for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents 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. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
