We present a dare for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about our choices in loving each other.
An Introductory Film Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the rural area for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that come with long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the allegory never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
