We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when the couple move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, interspersing elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu at present.
