Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and stream Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical physical horror, but inside Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
