4085: All Alone Together

In early December, I attended the premiere of 4085’s first feature film All Alone Together. The theater’s atmosphere was lively and bright, and over the course of the evening I became more and more excited to watch the psychological thriller All Alone Together--which blew my expectations far away. 

The film follows an up-and-coming director in the aftermath of the success of his most recent film. His film within film details a character who is haunted by an unknown creature, ultimately dying at its hands. Throughout the film, the director is haunted by similar ideas as he progressively feels that he is never alone and is always being followed by someone or something that he calls “The Haunting”. He acts in an increasingly erratic manner as he becomes more and more suspicious about the intentions of those around him, such as his roommate and his girlfriend. All Alone Together raises the stakes continuously through poignant scenes, such as when the protagonist reaches his breaking point and shaves his head or when he jumps to his death at the end of the film. This progression never felt rushed or forced in this film and instead kept audiences at the edge of their seats. 

The standout performances were in both main roles, with Jordan First as Fletcher Rhodes and Alex Nimrod as Lincoln Lorreto. Certain supporting roles also made a positive mark on the film. In particular, Nimrod’s portrayal of a man who felt as if he couldn’t trust anyone around him, his surroundings, or even himself was played remarkably well and elevated the film. The supporting roles endorsed his performance and heightened the imagery of the protagonists’ insanity. The cinematography of the film was gorgeous, especially the color grading. The film’s hues switch back from warmer tones to clinical, cold ones that perfectly highlight the protagonist’s inner turmoil. These different hues in the film also highlight the attention and care that 4085 paid to All Alone Together. Skilled framing further demonstrates the craftsmanship of this film. Oftentimes, otherwise, mundane scenes are shot through a door that creates a visual cage around the protagonist as he progresses further into his paranoia, which adds to the suffocation that is excellently conveyed to the audience. 

Lastly, the comedic elements here, –such as the protagonist’s stare that is held for just a little too long, or his projectile vomiting on his agent–create a balance as it allows itself to have fun with the dialogue and acting. These add charm to the overall atmosphere, making it a worthwhile first film for 4085, and a great watch.