Here's a test for long-term couples who are fans of scary movies: Settle in with your partner and stream Together. This critically acclaimed 2025 movie recently had its online premiere via Hulu. On the surface, it may seem like typical biological terror, but inside Together lies a profound contemplation about the ways we decide to love each other.
An Introductory Film Investigating The Nuances of Love
Together is the introductory feature for director Michael Shanks. It features actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have stayed together for over ten years. Having wed in reality in 2017, the two stars bring a special spark to their characters, expertly portraying both the joys and frustrations of a enduring union.
The plot starts when the couple relocate from the urban environment to the country for Millie’s job. A commonly used narrative setup, of course, but that’s mostly where the cliches conclude. Together evolves into as much a examination of mental states of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While hiking near their new home, a violent storm occurs, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a supernatural entity takes hold of the pair. This force compels a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond emotional intimacy.
The whole movie is a slow burn horror experience, weaving in bits of dreamlike terrors, disturbing (but not excessively graphic) body horror, and authentically humorous dialogue (sometimes during something horrific). Shanks weaves these elements together expertly and presents them in a slowly mounting sense of impending doom.
Layered Performances
A large part of Together is solely the performances of its stars, and they skillfully illustrate countless layers to the characters’ relationship. Millie's sense of self and emotional bond is waning due to a distance. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his floundering music career inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and isolated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and removed from his support system. He is terrified of the idea of utterly sacrificing his personal autonomy in Millie. This fear is amplified by the circumstance he lacks a driver's license and relies on Millie for transportation.
The director's cleverest decision is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the obvious villain.
Both characters face the sort of issues that come with long-term unions a decade in. At their core, they have affection for one another. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But under the surface, there’s an persistent feeling of questioning about their relationship.
Thematic Depth
While the supernatural forces in Together represent these concerns of codependency and giving oneself over to another person, the allegory never feels hamfisted or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes present a perfect parallel to the interpersonal storytelling. Both the frights and the fights work together in a mutually beneficial way.
A Debated Finale
Together’s ending, which remains unspoiled, has created disagreement on the story's concluding statement about enmeshed dynamics. Reports indicate that single viewers have seen the movie as a strong argument for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, some couples having disagreements found that the film ultimately assisted them make up.
If you are alone or with a partner, your own interpretation could act as a telling indicator of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow a sense of discomfort and fear, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you identify in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply look at your significant other and say, “I’d do that for you”?
No matter your reaction, Together is an test you can embark on today.
Together is streaming on Hulu's platform as of this moment.