Here's a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie just made its online premiere on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together resides a profound examination about the ways we decide to love our partners.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together represents the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco 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 particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force induces a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The entire film is a methodically building horror experience, weaving in moments of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and presents them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that are inherent in any relationship a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these anxieties of codependency and totally devoting oneself to another person, the symbolism does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply look at your partner and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
