We present a test for partners in committed relationships who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and view Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together exists a deep meditation about how we choose to love one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is only the two lead actors, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his sense of self in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that come with most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the finale plant anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your partner and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu at present.
