Consider this a dare for partners in committed relationships who appreciate scary movies: Sit down with your loved one and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit has now made its launch on a streaming platform via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound contemplation about how we choose to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases the real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in real life in 2017, the actors infuse a unique chemistry to their characters, masterfully depicting both the good and bad of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple transition from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, admittedly, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a storm hits, and the protagonists fall into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The complete narrative is a gradually intensifying horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and genuinely funny dialogue (sometimes during something grotesque). The director skillfully blends these components neatly and presents them in a consistently growing sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A significant portion of Together is only the performances of its stars, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and cut off by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve moved to the country and distant from his network of friends. He fears the idea of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in his partner. This fear is further exacerbated by the reality he lacks a driver's license and is dependent on Millie for getting around.
The film's most intelligent aspect in Together avoids making either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Tim and Millie confront the kind of problems that arise in any relationship over a long period. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They find humor with each other, comfort one another, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these fears of unhealthy attachment and giving oneself over to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or pretentious. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. It has been said that unattached audience members have understood the narrative as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. On the other hand, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a great barometer of how you think about commitment. Will the ending plant feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply glance toward your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an test you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu now.
