We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Sit down with your significant other and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it might appear like standard body horror, but within Together exists a profound examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the countryside for professional reasons. A familiar story element, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together becomes 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 new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in moments of fever-dream horrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and far away from his social circle. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They find humor with each other, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the finale inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform at present.
