We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a intense examination about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu now.
