Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the notion of completely losing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending plant anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply look at your other half and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
