Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a intense meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative starts when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a strange force takes hold of the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his support system. He dreads the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant a sense of discomfort and fear, 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 state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
