We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Debut Feature Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when the couple transition from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). The director weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that come with any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu at present.
