We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for her career. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
