We present a dare for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its streaming debut via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
The couple face the sort of issues that come with any relationship after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
