We present a dare for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit recently had its streaming debut on Hulu. At first glance, it might appear like standard biological terror, but beneath Together lies a deep meditation about our choices in loving one another.
An Introductory Film Delving into Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the introductory feature for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It features Dave Franco and Alison Brie as Millie and Tim, an unmarried couple that have been together for over ten years. Married in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a particular energy to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a committed partnership.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie relocate from the big city to the country for Millie’s job. A somewhat stereotypical story element, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two tumble into an hole in the earth. After a night spent there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence starts to affect the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something horrific). The director orchestrates these parts expertly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is solely Brie and Franco, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
Tim, on the other hand senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve relocated rural and removed from his social circle. He fears the notion of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he never makes either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Both characters grapple with the type of challenges that arise in any relationship over a long period. At their core, they continue to care for each other. They share moments of joy, comfort one another, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their future together.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory avoids being clumsy or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements provide a ideal counterpart to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the supernatural and the personal work together symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s conclusion, which remains unspoiled, has sparked debate on the story's concluding statement about unhealthy partnerships. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a powerful case for remaining unattached. Conversely, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own interpretation could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and scream at your TV, or simply turn to your other half and utter, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
