Here's a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and view Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like typical biological terror, but within Together exists a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating Partnership Complexities
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, partners that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The story commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the rural area for Millie’s job. A commonly used story element, sure, but that’s mostly where the conventions conclude. Together transforms into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a tempest descends, and the two discover an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a slow burn of scares, interspersing moments of dreamlike terrors, gross (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Shanks skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A significant portion of Together is exclusively the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is suffering due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his floundering music career gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He is terrified of the notion of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Deep down, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Allegory and Meaning
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to a partner, the allegory avoids being hamfisted or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments offer a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has left audiences divided on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending inspire anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you recognize your own traits in Tim or Millie and scream at your TV, or simply look at your other half and say, “I understand that choice”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu as of this moment.
