A Profound Tour de Force: All of Us Strangers Review

By the twelfth month of 2023, it may seem like all the worthwhile movies have already been released. However, director Andrew Haigh surprises us with his latest film, All of Us Strangers, in the final moments of the year, tugging at our heartstrings and leaving us emotionally moved.

For most of the year, big-budget blockbusters have dominated the movie industry, with superhero epics, stunning special effects, and numerous celebrity appearances dominating the content. Despite the trend, streaming platforms have also seen a surge in popularity, allowing viewers to revisit their favorite films from the comfort of their own homes.

The Davids in this scenario might seem defeated by the cinematic Goliaths, but the thunderous acclaim for Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, and now All of Us Strangers tells a different story. Beneath the desire for a simple narrative, there is a quiet longing to peel back emotional layers and reveal the raw truth.

And that's exactly what All of Us Strangers does. With just a handful of locations, 4 characters, and a wealth of internal pain, Andrew Haigh delves effortlessly into the question of what life could have been in different circumstances, and why grief is a relentless force waiting at your door.

Grief as an act of refusal

After viewing Haigh’s latest work, it is undeniable that both its skill and lingering impact are truly remarkable. It is almost overwhelming to comprehend the magnitude of what has been witnessed, as well as how seamlessly it has been distilled into a coherent and familiar plot. Adam (Andrew Scott) resides alone in a newly constructed apartment complex, where he is attempting to write a screenplay about his deceased parents. Following a sudden burst of inspiration, he revisits his childhood home and is shocked to find his parents there exactly as he remembers them.

Simultaneously, Adam forms a bond with Harry (Paul Mescal), his neighbor on a lower floor. The resulting mental swirl drives Adam to the edge, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Just as Adam seems to navigate through time and possibility, the audience is captivated, embracing the unfolding changes without question. While the narrative may seem illogical, it resonates deeply with the emotions, as each of us yearn for that 'one last chance' to reconnect with those who truly mattered.

The key really is the power of love

All of Us Strangers delves into the complexities of Adam's emotional journey. Despite his love for his parents, he struggles to accept affection in return, leading him to close himself off from his true self. This emotional barrier has a profound impact on his relationship with Harry, keeping him confined to the safety of his flat. Through Adam's navigation of his parents, love interest, and inner struggles, the film evokes the sensation of uncovering long-buried pain deep within your own heart.

All of Us Strangers is a technical marvel, capturing devastation with precision. Shot on 35mm, the film radiates an analog and traditional ambiance, evoking a sense of 1980s nostalgia with images of homemade dinners, childhood records, and the war-torn angel atop the Christmas tree. The music of Top of the Pops serves as a crucial element in Adam's life, with songs from Frankie Goes To Hollywood and the Pet Shop Boys shaping his journey and his relationship with his impeccably portrayed parents, played by Jamie Bell and Claire Foy.

Adam experiences a turbulent blend of consciousness and emotion, reliving painful truths without the use of flashbacks. The film brings old wounds into the present, showcasing the therapeutic release of emotional catharsis. The actors embody characters that may resemble real-life figures, adding depth to the story. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal's on-screen chemistry seamlessly brings out the best and worst in each other, navigating tender moments with ease. The shared intimacy between the characters transcends the boundaries of a primarily LGBTQIA+ narrative, existing as a universal love story that takes risks in every way possible.

All of Us Strangers review score: 5/5

There’s no shying away from it – All of Us Strangers is one of the crowning triumphs of the year.

Engaging with it means committing to personal change, facing long-forgotten demons, and ultimately undergoing a transformative experience. Andrew Scott is leading an emotional cinematic revolution that should not be overlooked. For more TV & Movies news, click here.

Editor's P/S

All of Us Strangers is a powerful and emotionally devastating film that explores the power of love amidst grief. Andrew Haigh's direction is superb, and he elicits powerhouse performances from his cast. The film's narrative is complex and challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. All of Us Strangers is a must-see for fans of independent cinema and for anyone who is looking for a film that will stay with them long after the credits have rolled.

The film's exploration of grief is particularly poignant. Adam's journey is one that many people will be able to relate to, and the film does an excellent job of capturing the raw emotions that come with losing a loved one. The film also does a great job of exploring the different ways that people cope with grief. Adam's parents try to move on with their lives, while Adam himself tries to escape his grief by writing a screenplay about his parents. Ultimately, the film shows that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and that everyone must find their own way to cope with the loss of a loved one.