In the scorching Arabian desert, a British filmmaker finds himself lost in the dunes of his own life. His name is Sam, and he's on a mission to capture the beauty of the desert for a job, but what he discovers is a reflection of his own existential crisis. This is the premise of Ben Sharrock's upcoming film, "Alone Together," which brings together a talented cast, including Callum Turner, Adria Arjona, and Amir El-Masry, in a poignant exploration of identity, culture, and the human condition.
The film marks a significant return for Sharrock, whose 2020 dark comedy "Limbo" turned heads at the festival circuit and catapulted Amir El-Masry to stardom. The new project promises to delve even deeper into the complexities of human relationships, as Sam navigates the vast expanse of the desert, grappling with his own sense of purpose and belonging.
Sharrock's inspiration for the film stems from his own experiences as a filmmaker, navigating the complexities of cultural identity and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. "I've always been fascinated by the idea of people from different cultures coming together, and the ways in which they intersect and collide," Sharrock explains in an interview. "In 'Alone Together,' I wanted to explore the idea of a British filmmaker in the Arabian desert, and the ways in which he navigates this unfamiliar landscape, both physically and emotionally."
The film's cast brings a wealth of international talent to the table, with Callum Turner (known for his roles in "The Boys in the Boat" and "Masters of the Air") and Adria Arjona (seen in "Hit Man" and "Splitsville") joining Amir El-Masry, who made a breakthrough with his performance in "Limbo." The trio brings a unique dynamic to the film, as they navigate the complexities of Sam's relationships and the cultural nuances of the desert landscape.
One of the film's key themes is the concept of "third culture kids," individuals who grow up in multiple cultures and struggle to find their place in the world. This is a theme that resonates deeply with Amir El-Masry, who has spoken publicly about his own experiences as a British-Egyptian actor. "As a third culture kid, I've always felt like I'm caught between two worlds," El-Masry explains. "In 'Alone Together,' I see a reflection of my own experiences, and the struggles that come with navigating multiple cultures and identities."
The film's production is being handled by HanWay Films, which will launch sales at the upcoming AFM. The project is being produced by Florian Zeller, a renowned French playwright and filmmaker known for his work on "The Father" and "The Son." Zeller brings a wealth of experience to the project, and his involvement is a testament to the film's international scope and ambition.
As "Alone Together" prepares to hit the festival circuit, it promises to be a powerful exploration of the human condition, one that will resonate with audiences around the world. With its talented cast, nuanced themes, and international scope, this film is set to be a standout of the year, and a testament to the power of cinema to capture the complexities of our globalized world.