We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard body horror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when the couple relocate from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes amidst something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
