Consider this a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but within Together resides a profound contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot starts when Millie and Tim transition from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, of course, but that’s largely where the tropes cease. Together becomes as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and utter, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
