We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like standard body horror, but beneath Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when the couple transition from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of completely losing his individual identity in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
