Here's a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the tropes 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 Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
