Creativity Spirals Into Chaos in Bold Debut

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MOVIE REVIEW
All Alone Together
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Genre: Thriller, Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Maximus Jenkins
Writer(s): Alex Nimrod
Cast: Alex Nimrod, Jordan Rice, Brandon Whipple, Lisa Starrett, Devin Harris, Brandon Gilbert, Elizabeth Hadjinian, Trevor VanAuken, Lexi Minetree, Jacob Childress, Eric Eberle
Where to Watch: available via VOD July 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: ALL ALONE TOGETHER is the kind of film that makes you take a second look at the credits—not just because of the narrative or the performances, but because you won’t believe college students pulled it off on a budget that could barely cover catering on a studio project. It's an unrefined gem: not flawless, undeniably compelling, and rich with risk.

The film centers on Lincoln Arreto (played by writer Alex Nimrod), a young filmmaker whose low-budget psychological thriller is beginning to gain traction. But as his success grows, so too does his unraveling mind. What starts as a film-within-a-film gradually collapses into a surreal subconscious descent, blurring the line between fiction and reality in intriguing and disorienting ways.

Director Maximus Jenkins leans into this ambiguity, crafting a movie that is less about clear answers and more about emotional and mental unease. The film is riddled with symbolic imagery and deliberate misdirection. On a conceptual level, it’s impressive—but structurally, things begin to wobble toward the end of the middle act. The film takes on so many ideas—grief, insecurity, ego, identity, mental illness, the burden of success—that it can lose track of its momentum. While the climax ultimately delivers on the tension, getting there involves a few detours that could’ve been tightened up.

That said, the film's commitment to exploring the psychological weight of creation, particularly in a post-pandemic generation of artists, gives it unexpected emotional heft. Lincoln’s downward spiral—mirrored in his personal life and how others perceive his work—reflects a generation wrestling with impostor syndrome and the pressure to make something meaningful in a world oversaturated with content. His self-destructive tendencies are at once frustrating and sympathetic, made more poignant by Nimrod’s performance.

One of the most pleasant surprises here is the strength of the performances across the board. These are largely first-time or relatively unknown actors, but the film doesn’t suffer for it. It thrives on their energy. Jordan Rice is quietly heartbreaking, and at the same time, Elizabeth Hadjinian brings a grounded presence to the role of Sloane, a manager who is trying in vain to keep Lincoln focused.

But it’s Lexi Minetree, in limited screentime as Regina—the antagonistic girlfriend of Lincoln’s roommate—who emerges as an unexpected highlight. She weaponizes charm and condescension in equal measure, playing a character you love to hate in a way that lingers long after she exits the frame. It's easy to see why she was cast as Elle Woods in the upcoming LEGALLY BLONDE spin-off; there’s an electric screen presence here, even in small bursts.

Technically, the film does a lot with very little. Kaleb Manske’s cinematography brings polish to the production, giving the film a consistent visual identity that works well within its limitations. The few effects used are simple but effective, supporting the psychological tone rather than distracting from it.

At 1 hour and 42 minutes, there are moments where the film starts to feel longer than necessary. A more streamlined edit elevated the pacing and made the heavier themes more digestible. Still, this is far more coherent and emotionally resonant for a no-budget debut than one might expect.

The most impressive aspect of ALL ALONE TOGETHER is that it never feels like apologizing for its limitations. It doesn’t try to mask its budget; instead, it leans into character exploration, atmosphere, and ideas. There's a sense of creative control and unity that many first features lack. The film is introspective without becoming indulgent, strange without feeling inaccessible.

The meta elements are clever, especially as the film explores the anxieties of artists trying to live up to their potential. Despite the mounting evidence that he’s spiraling in the same direction as his protagonist, Lincoln can't recognize himself in his work. He offers a biting commentary on denial, projection, and the emotional labor behind art.

Is it a perfect film? Not quite. But it’s a bold and deeply felt one—an impressive calling card for a group of young filmmakers ready to take on more. Something is refreshing about watching a project like this where the passion outweighs the polish, but the result still stands tall. ALL ALONE TOGETHER may not have all the answers, but it knows exactly what questions it’s asking. For a debut feature, that’s half the battle—and it leaves a mark when it lands.

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[photo courtesy of ETHOS RELEASING]

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