We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a profound meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases 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, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
