Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard body horror, but within Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes during something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Tim and Millie confront the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
