We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a profound meditation about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their roles, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie refrains from painting one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that arise in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward 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 currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
