Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your significant other and watch Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together exists a intense contemplation about our choices in loving each other.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for over ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a special spark to their roles, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The story starts when the couple relocate from the big city to the rural area for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the cliches cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity begins influencing the pair. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his support system. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the type of challenges that come with most partnerships a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
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.
