Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical body horror, but inside Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the countryside for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, 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 supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple confront the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
