We present a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like standard body horror, but inside Together exists a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie transition from the metropolis to the country for her career. A commonly used story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their rural residence, a storm hits, and the protagonists tumble into an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a methodically building of scares, interspersing elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes amidst something horrific). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
