Here's a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have been together for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple face the kind of problems that come with most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they still love each other. They still laugh together, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale inspire anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your significant other and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
