We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical physical horror, but beneath Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together marks the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. United in marriage in actuality in 2017, the actors bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot begins when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his support system. He dreads the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could function as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
