We present a dare for long-term couples who are fans of horror films: Settle in with your significant other and stream Together. This 2025 indie hit just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it could look like typical biological terror, but beneath Together lies a profound meditation about how we choose to love each other.
A Directorial Debut Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together marks the debut feature-length film for filmmaker Michael Shanks. It stars actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Tim and Millie, partners that have stayed together for a decade. Married in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a particular energy to their characters, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a long-term relationship.
The plot commences when the couple move from the metropolis to the countryside for Millie’s job. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s primarily where the conventions cease. Together evolves into as much a psychological exploration of the couple's dynamic as it is a film about physical terror.
A Supernatural Catalyst
While hiking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the protagonists tumble into an underground cave. After a night spent there and finally finding a way out, a mysterious influence begins influencing the couple. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The entire film is a gradually intensifying of scares, interspersing bits of fever-dream horrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and surprisingly comedic dialogue (sometimes in the middle of something disturbing). Michael Shanks weaves these elements together seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting atmosphere of fear.
Layered Performances
A great deal of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render countless layers to the partnership at the film's core. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a emotional and physical gap. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to focus on anything other than his struggling artistic pursuits gradually emerges.
Conversely, Tim senses confinement and cut off by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve left the city and far away from his network of friends. He dreads the idea of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is intensified by the fact he does not operate a vehicle and needs Millie for mobility.
The director's cleverest decision in this movie refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that come with any relationship a decade in. Deep down, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent current of uncertainty about their bond.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of excessive reliance and fully committing to a partner, the allegory does not come across as clumsy or self-important. Instead, these ickier, creepier moments provide a ideal counterpart to the character-driven drama. Both the supernatural and the personal enhance each other symbiotically.
A Debated Finale
Together’s final act, which won’t be spoiled here, has sparked debate on the movie's final takeaway about unhealthy partnerships. Accounts suggest that unattached audience members have interpreted the film as a compelling reason for remaining unattached. On the other hand, some couples who were in conflict found that the film actually helped them make up.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could potentially serve as a telling indicator of how you view relationships. Will the finale sow anxiety and horror, or a heartwarming sense of hope? Will you see yourself in one of the characters and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake right now.
Together is available to watch on Hulu now.
