We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your partner and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a intense contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A somewhat stereotypical story element, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). The director weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
