Callum Turner in Ben Sharrock’s ‘Alone Together’

A compelling new cinematic venture is on the horizon as Callum Turner, Adria Arjona, and Amir El-Masry are set to star in ‘Alone Together,’ the latest feature from acclaimed director Ben Sharrock. This exciting project also boasts the involvement of Oscar and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Florian Zeller, who will be producing alongside Federica Sainte-Rose through their Blue Morning Pictures. The film, which promises a journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of the Arabian desert, is already generating significant buzz in the industry as HanWay Films prepares to launch international sales at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM).

An Unconventional Narrative in the Desert

‘Alone Together’ is poised to deliver a nuanced and emotionally rich story, penned by director Ben Sharrock himself. The narrative centers on Sam (Callum Turner), a British filmmaker grappling with a profound life crisis. His career is at a standstill, he’s on the brink of divorce, and he carries the weight of guilt for being an absent father to his young son.

His professional obligations lead him to the Arabian desert, where a chance encounter during a rare rainstorm brings him into contact with the captivating Inma (Adria Arjona). Their connection is fleeting yet powerful, drawing these two strangers together in a foreign land. However, the film is not presented as a conventional love story. Instead, it explores the complexities of adults with personal baggage, highlighting their struggle to move past their respective histories.

Further enriching Sam’s emotional landscape is his burgeoning friendship with Abdullah (Amir El-Masry), a charismatic local guide. This unlikely bond provides Sam with an additional avenue to explore and understand his emotions, making his journey one of profound personal transformation.

The Visionary Creative Team

Ben Sharrock’s Direction

Ben Sharrock, a British filmmaker known for his distinct voice, returns to the director’s chair with ‘Alone Together.’ Sharrock garnered critical acclaim for his 2020 dark comedy ‘Limbo,’ which explored the lives of asylum seekers on a remote Scottish island. ‘Limbo’ earned BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Outstanding Debut and secured four BAFTA Scotland prizes, including Best Film, Writer, Director, and Actor.

Amir El-Masry, who delivered a breakout performance in ‘Limbo,’ reunites with Sharrock for this new project, signaling a continued creative synergy between the two. Sharrock’s ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary in ‘Limbo’ suggests that ‘Alone Together’ will offer a similarly thoughtful and engaging cinematic experience. His debut feature, ‘Pikadero,’ also premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2015.

Florian Zeller’s Production Expertise

Joining the project as a producer is the highly respected Florian Zeller, celebrated for his profound and impactful storytelling. Zeller’s work as a playwright, novelist, and filmmaker has earned him significant accolades, including an Oscar and BAFTA for his 2020 film ‘The Father,’ and further nominations for its follow-up, ‘The Son.’

Zeller, along with Federica Sainte-Rose, will produce ‘Alone Together’ under their banner, Blue Morning Pictures. His involvement brings a layer of artistic weight and a track record of producing emotionally resonant dramas, aligning well with the themes of personal crisis and self-discovery at the heart of Sharrock’s latest script.

Spotlight on the Cast

The film boasts a talented ensemble, with each lead bringing a diverse range of experience to their roles:

• Callum Turner (Sam): Known for his recent work in ‘The Boys in the Boat’ and the highly anticipated ‘Masters of the Air,’ Turner takes on the central role of the struggling filmmaker. His performances have consistently demonstrated a capacity for depth and emotional nuance.
• Adria Arjona (Inma): Arjona, who has impressed audiences in films such as ‘Hit Man’ and ‘Splitsville,’ will portray Inma, the enigmatic woman with whom Sam forms a powerful connection. Her recent projects highlight her versatility across different genres.
• Amir El-Masry (Abdullah): Following his acclaimed performance in Ben Sharrock’s ‘Limbo,’ El-Masry joins the cast as Abdullah, the local guide. His previous collaboration with Sharrock indicates a strong understanding of the director’s vision and a proven ability to embody complex characters. He has also been noted for his roles in ‘Giant’ and ‘100 Nights of Hero.’

Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, expressed enthusiasm for the cast, stating that Callum Turner and Adria Arjona are “the dream couple to deliver all the humanity, humour and emotion of two characters at cross-roads,” while the addition of Amir El-Masry promises an “honest and compelling journey of transformation.”

Production and Anticipation

The production of ‘Alone Together’ is slated to commence in March 2026, with principal photography taking place in the stunning landscapes of Oman’s Arabian desert. This striking location is expected to play a significant role in the film’s visual narrative and thematic depth.

HanWay Films will be initiating international sales for ‘Alone Together’ at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM), an indication of the film’s commercial potential and the industry’s confidence in the project’s creative team and cast.

Conclusion

‘Alone Together’ emerges as a highly anticipated film, bringing together a stellar cast in Callum Turner, Adria Arjona, and Amir El-Masry, under the sensitive direction of Ben Sharrock and the seasoned production oversight of Florian Zeller. With its intriguing premise of personal introspection and unexpected connections set against the evocative Arabian desert, the film is poised to offer audiences a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience when it arrives in 2026. The combination of established talent and a compelling narrative suggests that ‘Alone Together’ will be a significant entry in contemporary cinema.