We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical physical horror, but beneath Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a unique chemistry to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.