Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim transition from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
