Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep examination about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a unique chemistry to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
