We present a test for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your partner and view Together. The 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like typical physical horror, but beneath Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together represents the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have stayed together for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a special spark to their roles, skillfully embodying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The plot begins when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, admittedly, but that’s primarily where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past simple connection.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in elements of fever-dream horrors, gross (but tastefully done) body horror, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to chase only his floundering music career slowly bubbles to the surface.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters confront the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They still laugh together, provide solace, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Allegory and Meaning
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these fears of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Conversely, some couples who were in conflict found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, 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 other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can experience right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu as of this moment.
