Here's a challenge for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 just made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a intense contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story begins when the couple relocate from the big city to the country for her career. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an subterranean cavern. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks orchestrates these parts 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 manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie face the kind of problems that arise in most partnerships over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama work together in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
