Consider this a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a profound examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor never feels hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
