We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This independent film success of 2025 recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a intense examination about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when Millie and Tim relocate from the urban environment to the countryside for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s largely where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that come with long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
