Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. On the surface, it could look like typical physical horror, but within Together lies a intense examination about how we choose to love one another.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for over ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors contribute a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a body horror flick.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim discover an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a strange force begins influencing the duo. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building horror experience, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the partnership at the film's core. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He dreads the idea of completely losing his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters face the kind of problems that come with most partnerships over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They still laugh together, comfort one another, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an inescapable current of uncertainty about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of codependency and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. It has been said that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a powerful case for staying single. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the finale inspire feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
