Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but within Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors bring a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
