We present a test for those in enduring partnerships who enjoy scary movies: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This independent film success of 2025 has now made its online premiere on the Hulu service. At first glance, it may seem like conventional biological terror, but within Together lies a profound meditation about our choices in loving one another.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a couple named Tim and Millie, an unmarried couple that have been together for ten years. Married in real life in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their portrayals, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim move from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar plot device, of course, but that’s largely where the cliches end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the partnership as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an subterranean cavern. After being trapped overnight there and finally finding a way out, a strange force starts to affect the couple. This force compels a otherworldly bond between them that goes well past typical partnership.
The whole movie is a methodically building fright fest, blending moments of hallucinatory nightmares, gross (but tastefully done) physical transformations, and surprisingly comedic interactions (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and wraps them up in a gradually swelling atmosphere of fear.
Complex Characterizations
A great deal of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate numerous complexities to the dynamic between Tim and Millie. Millie’s confidence and sense of connection is waning due to a lack of intimacy. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits slowly bubbles to the surface.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the cause they’ve left the city and distant from his social circle. He dreads the concept of utterly sacrificing his individual identity in Millie. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie avoids making either of his characters the clear bad guy.
Tim and Millie grapple with the sort of issues that come with most partnerships after ten years. Fundamentally, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, offer support, and open up at times. But under the surface, there’s an inescapable undercurrent of doubt about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these fears of excessive reliance and totally devoting oneself to another person, the metaphor avoids being overly obvious or heavy-handed. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a brilliant analogue to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama serve the other symbiotically.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s conclusion, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have understood the narrative as a strong argument for remaining unattached. On the other hand, a few pairs experiencing tension found that the film ended up guiding them to make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own reaction could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the conclusion plant anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and yell at the screen, or simply turn to your significant other and say, “We could get through that together”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can embark on right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
