We present a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your partner and watch Together. The 2025 indie hit recently had its launch on a streaming platform on Hulu. On the surface, it could look like typical biological terror, but inside Together resides a profound examination about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for ten years. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a special spark to their portrayals, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions end. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and Millie and Tim tumble into an hole in the earth. After spending the night there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence begins influencing the duo. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The whole movie is a slow burn fright fest, weaving in elements of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and delivers them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they deftly portray manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his hesitance to chase only his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that are inherent in most partnerships after ten years. At their core, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together represent these fears of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the allegory never feels clumsy or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s final act, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them reconcile.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own reaction could function as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your partner and utter, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an experiment you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
