We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. Outwardly, it may seem like conventional body horror, but beneath Together lies a deep contemplation about the ways we decide to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the debut feature-length film for director Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in actuality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The plot commences when Tim and Millie transition from the urban environment to the country for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the tropes conclude. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a film about physical terror.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their country house, a tempest descends, and the two fall into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the pair. This force creates a supernatural closeness between them that goes exceeding typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying of scares, blending bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) physical transformations, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes amidst something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and delivers them in a consistently growing atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is deteriorating due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He dreads the concept of totally forfeiting his sense of self in Millie. This fear is further exacerbated by the circumstance he can’t drive and relies on Millie for getting around.
The director's cleverest decision in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
The couple grapple with the sort of issues that come with any relationship over a long period. Deep down, they still love one another. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But below this facade, there’s an unavoidable current of uncertainty about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the paranormal elements in Together act as a metaphor for these fears of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements offer a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights enhance each other in a mutually beneficial way.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which won’t be spoiled here, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that those not in relationships have seen the movie as a compelling reason for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Regardless of your relationship status, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you think about commitment. Will the conclusion sow anxiety and horror, or a positive outlook on love? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and yell at the screen, or simply look at your significant other and state, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on the streaming service Hulu as of this moment.
