Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into 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 remained a couple for over ten years. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states 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 protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and distant from his support system. He dreads the notion of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu as of this moment.
