We present a test for long-term couples who appreciate scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its streaming debut on the Hulu service. On the surface, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but beneath Together lies a intense examination about our choices in loving our partners.
A Directorial Debut Delving into Partnership Complexities
Together is the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have remained a couple for a decade. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars infuse a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the metropolis to the rural area for professional reasons. A commonly used narrative setup, sure, but that’s primarily where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the partnership as it is a body horror flick.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While walking near their country house, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the pair. This force compels a paranormal intimacy between them that goes well past emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, blending moments of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but never too gross) body horror, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes during something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is only Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and feeling of intimacy is suffering due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his hesitance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve relocated rural and distant from his social circle. He fears the concept of totally forfeiting his personal autonomy in his partner. This fear is intensified by the fact he can’t drive and needs Millie for getting around.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
Both characters confront the type of challenges that come with any relationship after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and are vulnerable at times. But below this facade, there’s an inescapable feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together symbolize these concerns of unhealthy attachment and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a brilliant analogue to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the horror and the drama work together symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Reports indicate that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. On the other hand, certain partners having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own response could potentially serve as a revealing measure of how you view relationships. Will the ending sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and state, “I understand that choice”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an exploration you can experience today.
Together is streaming on Hulu now.
