Consider this a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like standard biological terror, but within Together lies a deep examination about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for a decade. United in marriage in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The story starts when the couple transition from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and Millie and Tim fall into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous interactions (sometimes during something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could function as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the ending sow 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 glance toward your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on the streaming service Hulu now.
