Here's a challenge for those in enduring partnerships who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. Outwardly, it could look like typical physical horror, but inside Together resides a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together is the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, Franco and Brie infuse a unique chemistry to their roles, masterfully depicting both the strengths and weaknesses of a enduring union.
The plot commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical plot device, sure, but that’s mostly where the tropes end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists discover an underground cave. After being trapped overnight there and managing to escape, a mysterious influence starts to affect the couple. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a slow burn of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, unsettling (but never too gross) biological grotesqueries, and authentically humorous exchanges (sometimes in the middle of something grotesque). Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and wraps them up in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Nuanced Portrayals
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her underlying frustration of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and far away from his support system. He is terrified of the notion of totally forfeiting his individual identity in Millie. This fear is intensified by the reality he lacks a driver's license and needs Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move in Together never makes Tim or Millie the obvious villain.
Both characters face the type of challenges that are inherent in long-term unions over a long period. Fundamentally, they continue to care for one another. They find humor with each other, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and giving oneself over to another person, the symbolism never feels clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a brilliant analogue to the character-driven drama. Both the frights and the fights serve the other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have interpreted the film as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to reconcile.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in one of the characters and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can embark on at this very moment.
Together is available to watch on the streaming service Hulu at present.
