We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). The director weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He dreads the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
