We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and view Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. At first glance, it could look like conventional physical horror, but beneath Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Exploring The Nuances of Love
Together represents the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in actuality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches end. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity starts to affect the couple. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a slow burn fright fest, blending elements of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and far away from his support system. He dreads the concept of completely losing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the kind of problems that arise in any relationship a decade in. At their core, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism does not come across as clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a strong argument for staying single. Conversely, a few pairs who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could act as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your partner and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an experiment you can undertake at this very moment.
Together is currently playing on Hulu at present.
