Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on Hulu. Outwardly, it might appear like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a deep examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Debut Feature Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). The director weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. 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.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes one partner or the other the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the horror and the drama work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners 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 perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
