Consider this a challenge for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Get comfortable with your loved one and watch Together. The independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but within Together lies a intense contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their roles, expertly portraying both the good and bad of a committed partnership.
The story begins when Millie and Tim move from the urban environment to the rural area for her career. A familiar narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a deep dive into the psyche of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the two discover an hole in the earth. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force induces a paranormal intimacy between them that goes exceeding emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic exchanges (sometimes amidst something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling sense of impending doom.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to chase only his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
Tim, on the other hand feels trapped and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he can’t drive and is dependent on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in this movie never makes either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters face the sort of issues that arise in long-term unions a decade in. Fundamentally, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and open up at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these concerns of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to a partner, the metaphor does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes offer a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film actually helped them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and say, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
