We present a dare for long-term couples who are fans of the horror genre: Settle in with your loved one and stream Together. The critically acclaimed 2025 movie has now made its streaming debut via Hulu. On the surface, it might appear like conventional biological terror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about how we choose to love one another.
A Directorial Debut Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It showcases actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair who are not married that have been together for a decade. United in marriage in reality in 2017, the actors infuse a particular energy to their roles, masterfully depicting both the joys and frustrations of a long-term relationship.
The plot starts when Tim and Millie move from the urban environment to the countryside for professional reasons. A commonly used plot device, sure, but that’s largely where the tropes end. Together transforms into as much a psychological exploration of the pair’s relationship as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
An Otherworldly Trigger
While walking near their rural residence, a violent storm occurs, and the two tumble into an subterranean cavern. After spending the night there and eventually escaping, a mysterious influence takes hold of the pair. This force creates a otherworldly bond between them that goes far beyond simple connection.
The whole movie is a methodically building of scares, blending elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) physical transformations, and genuinely funny exchanges (sometimes during something disturbing). The director skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a slowly mounting aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A significant portion of Together is exclusively Brie and Franco, and they deftly portray numerous complexities to the partnership at the film's core. Millie's sense of self and feeling of intimacy is waning due to a distance. Her subconscious resentment of Tim for his unwillingness to focus on anything other than his failing musical ambitions inexorably rises.
In contrast, Tim's character feels trapped and isolated by Millie, who’s the reason they’ve moved to the country and far away from his network of friends. He fears the idea of totally forfeiting his sense of self in his partner. This fear is amplified by the reality he does not operate a vehicle and relies on Millie for mobility.
The film's most intelligent aspect is that he refrains from painting either of his characters the definite antagonist.
Both characters grapple with the sort of issues that are inherent in most partnerships a decade in. Deep down, they have affection for each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and share intimately at times. But beneath it all, there’s an unavoidable feeling of questioning about their bond.
Thematic Depth
While the otherworldly presence in Together act as a metaphor for these anxieties of codependency and giving oneself over to a partner, the allegory does not come across as hamfisted or heavy-handed. Instead, these visceral horror elements present a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the horror and the drama enhance each other symbiotically.
A Controversial Conclusion
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has sparked debate on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that those not in relationships have understood the narrative as a strong argument for staying single. 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 response could function as a great barometer of how you view relationships. Will the conclusion sow feelings of uneasiness and dread, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you see yourself in Tim or Millie and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and say, “I’d do that for you”?
Whatever the case may be, Together is an exploration you can undertake right now.
Together is currently playing on Hulu's platform as of this moment.
