We present a test for partners in committed relationships who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical physical horror, but inside Together lies a intense examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for ten years. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the two stars contribute a particular energy to their characters, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The narrative starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the urban environment to the country for her career. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s primarily where the tropes conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a body horror flick.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While trekking near their new home, a tempest descends, and the protagonists discover an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and eventually escaping, a strange force begins influencing the pair. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The entire film is a methodically building fright fest, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and presents them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they masterfully render numerous complexities to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve relocated rural and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together refrains from painting one partner or the other the definite antagonist.
The couple confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together symbolize these anxieties of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to a partner, the symbolism avoids being hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a perfect parallel to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Conversely, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could function as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a positive outlook on love? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply turn to your partner and state, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
