We present a test for long-term couples who enjoy scary movies: Get comfortable with your partner and stream Together. The independent film success of 2025 just made its online premiere via Hulu. At first glance, it may seem like typical biological terror, but within Together resides a deep contemplation about our choices in loving our partners.
A Debut Feature Investigating Relationship Dynamics
Together marks the first full-length movie for director Michael Shanks. It stars Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a couple named Tim and Millie, partners that have been together for over ten years. Having wed in real life in 2017, Franco and Brie contribute a special spark to their portrayals, skillfully embodying both the strengths and weaknesses of a committed partnership.
The narrative commences when Millie and Tim relocate from the big city to the rural area for Millie’s job. A familiar story element, sure, but that’s largely where the conventions end. Together becomes as much a examination of mental states of the couple's dynamic as it is a movie featuring biological frights.
A Paranormal Spark
While trekking near their new home, a storm hits, and the two fall into an underground cave. After spending the night there and finally finding a way out, a strange force takes hold of the duo. This force induces a supernatural closeness between them that goes far beyond typical partnership.
The whole movie is a gradually intensifying fright fest, interspersing elements of dreamlike terrors, unsettling (but not excessively graphic) biological grotesqueries, and genuinely funny interactions (sometimes during something grotesque). Michael Shanks skillfully blends these components seamlessly and delivers them in a gradually swelling aura of dread.
Complex Characterizations
A large part of Together is exclusively the two lead actors, and they masterfully render manifold depths to the characters’ relationship. Her self-assurance and sense of connection is deteriorating due to a lack of intimacy. Her unspoken irritation of Tim for his reluctance to pursue anything but his failing musical ambitions gradually emerges.
In contrast, Tim's character experiences isolation and separated by Millie, who’s the impetus they’ve left the city and far away from his social circle. He is terrified of the concept of completely losing his personal autonomy in another person. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact he can’t drive and relies on Millie for mobility.
Shanks’ smartest move is that he avoids making Tim or Millie the clear bad guy.
The couple face the type of challenges that arise in long-term unions after ten years. At their core, they still love each other. They share moments of joy, provide solace, and are vulnerable at times. But beneath it all, there’s an persistent undercurrent of doubt about their relationship.
Symbolism and Metaphor
While the paranormal elements in Together represent these anxieties of unhealthy attachment and fully committing to another person, the symbolism never feels overly obvious or self-important. Instead, these more disturbing, unsettling scenes provide a perfect parallel to the relationship narrative. Both the supernatural and the personal serve the other in harmony.
A Divisive Ending
Together’s ending, which is best experienced firsthand, has created disagreement on the film’s ultimate message about codependent relationships. Accounts suggest that single viewers have seen the movie as a powerful case for avoiding commitment. Meanwhile, a few pairs having disagreements found that the film ended up guiding them to resolve their issues.
Whether you’re single or coupled up, your own response could act as a great barometer of how you perceive partnership. Will the ending sow anxiety and horror, or a uplifting feeling of optimism? Will you recognize your own traits in either protagonist and feel frustration, or simply glance toward your other half and utter, “We could get through that together”?
Regardless of the outcome, Together is an test you can undertake today.
Together is streaming on Hulu at present.
