Consider this a test for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical physical horror, but within Together lies a deep meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
