We present a dare for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but within Together resides a intense contemplation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s largely where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes in the middle of something horrific). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is suffering due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in another person. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie avoids making one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie face the type of challenges that are inherent in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform now.
