We present a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and watch Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. Outwardly, it may seem like standard physical horror, but beneath Together exists a intense meditation about the ways we decide to love one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the two stars contribute a unique chemistry to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative begins when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a supernatural entity begins influencing the duo. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding simple connection.
The complete narrative is a slow burn of scares, blending bits of hallucinatory nightmares, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes amidst something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together neatly and presents them in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is solely the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie’s confidence and emotional bond is suffering due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions slowly bubbles to the surface.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and removed from his network of friends. He is terrified of the concept of utterly sacrificing his sense of self in another person. This fear is intensified by the reality he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for transportation.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They still laugh together, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable undercurrent of doubt about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together symbolize these concerns of codependency and fully committing to a partner, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have seen the movie as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners who were in conflict found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending inspire a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and state, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake today.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform now.
