Are you in your 30s and feeling a bit lost? You’re not alone. Ben Sharrock’s upcoming film, Alone Together, is here to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of wayward 30-somethings, and it’s already creating a buzz. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a world obsessed with youthful coming-of-age stories, Sharrock dares to ask—what about those of us who are still figuring it out decades later? Is it ever too late to re-evaluate your life?**
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Sharrock, the Scottish writer-director behind the critically acclaimed Limbo, shared insights from his desert-bound location scouting in Jordan. The backdrop of his Zoom call was nothing short of breathtaking: a vast valley framed by sandy mountains against a vivid blue sky, with a lone tree casting shade—a perfect metaphor for the themes of isolation and connection in his work. ‘We’re heading to the south of Jordan,’ he explained, his voice brimming with excitement. ‘The locations are absolutely stunning.’
Alone Together, set to start filming in March 2025, is already generating excitement following Sharrock’s success with Limbo. The 2020 film, starring Amir El-Masry, earned accolades like the San Sebastian Youth Jury Prize and BAFTA nominations, solidifying Sharrock’s unique voice in cinema. Now, he’s reuniting with El-Masry and teaming up with in-demand talents Callum Turner and Adria Arjona for a story that’s both intimate and universal.
The film follows Sam (Turner), a British filmmaker in the midst of a midlife crisis, and Inma (Arjona), a captivating stranger, whose lives intersect during a rare rainstorm in a fictional Middle Eastern metropolis. ‘It’s a slice-of-life film,’ Sharrock explains, ‘but it tackles big themes like love, loss, and grief.’ And this is the part most people miss: it’s not your typical love story. These characters are adults carrying baggage, grappling with pasts they can’t escape. It’s a belated re-evaluation of self, a story Sharrock believes is long overdue for his generation.
‘We often see films about young people in their 20s trying to find their path,’ he notes. ‘But the world has changed. This film explores what happens when you’re in your mid-to-late 30s and realize you’re still figuring it out.’ It’s a refreshing take on adulthood, one that avoids the clichés of retirement-age reflection or teenage angst. Instead, it dives into the messy, beautiful reality of being in the middle—of life, of love, of identity.
Sharrock’s approach to storytelling is as unique as his settings. ‘I like to create worlds that feel real but also surreal,’ he says. ‘It’s about bending the rules, exploring magical realism, and finding humor in the absurd.’ This blend of tones is what drew Turner and Arjona to the project. ‘They saw something special in the script,’ Sharrock reveals. ‘It’s a film that asks what it means to be human, but in a way that’s both familiar and completely new.’
The Middle East, with its stunning landscapes and tax incentives, was the perfect choice for filming. ‘Jordan is incredibly well-set up for productions,’ Sharrock explains. ‘But it’s not just about cost—it’s about finding the right creative and visual fit.’ The fictional metropolis, inspired by cities like Dubai, adds a layer of universality while allowing Sharrock to explore themes without the weight of political specificity.
As for the future of film, Sharrock remains optimistic. ‘There’s a demand for bold, author-led films that make you feel something,’ he says. ‘That’s the power of cinema.’ And with Alone Together, he’s poised to deliver just that—a film that resonates deeply, challenges conventions, and sparks conversation. But here’s the question: will audiences embrace this unconventional take on adulthood, or will it divide opinions? Only time will tell. What do you think—is it ever too late to redefine yourself? Let the debate begin.
