Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a profound contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
