Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it could look like conventional biological terror, but inside Together resides a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Debut Feature Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for ten years. United in marriage in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The story commences when Tim and Millie move from the big city to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force creates a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks orchestrates these parts neatly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He fears the notion of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he avoids making either of his characters the obvious villain.
The couple face the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for staying single. Conversely, some couples having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the finale plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can embark on today.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
