Consider this a challenge for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but within Together exists a profound contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Delving into The Nuances of Love
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot begins when the couple transition from the metropolis to the rural area for her career. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his floundering music career inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He fears the notion of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship after ten years. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. Meanwhile, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
