Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its launch on a streaming platform on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like typical biological terror, but inside Together lies a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, Franco and Brie bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the country for her career. A somewhat stereotypical narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s largely where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, weaving in bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks orchestrates these parts expertly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in this movie never makes one partner or the other the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has left audiences divided on the story's concluding statement about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for remaining unattached. Conversely, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own reaction could act as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and scream at your TV, or simply look at your partner and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an experiment you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform now.
