We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like standard biological terror, but inside Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He dreads the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the type of challenges that come with long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform at present.
