SAVFF 2023 | Movie Review: "All of Us Strangers" Is Astounding Cinema
11/12 ForReel Score | 4.5/5 Stars
Writer/director Andrew Haigh’s latest film All of Us Strangers is nothing short of amazing. Through an emotionally charged narrative, his film transcends conventional storytelling to touch the very core of one’s soul. With its striking blend of visual artistry and thematic depth, Haigh takes Taichi Yamada's 1987 novel Strangers and creates a world all of its own. His hauntingly unconventional ghost narrative captivates the audience, leading them on an evocative expedition into the intricate recesses of the human heart.
Struggling screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott, Fleabag) secludes himself away from the world in his desolated apartment complex. Every day is the same cyclical cycle of staring at a blank screen while eating cold leftovers until one night when drunken neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal, Aftersun) knocks on his door. Adam sees this man so desperate for companionship but is too immersed in his own sorrows to let him in. The possibility of a new connection shifts something inside Adam, so the next day he take a train to his hometown where encounters the ghosts of his father and mother played by Jamie Bell (Snowpiercer) and Claire Foy (First Man) respectively. Meeting them again, the same as they were when he was a child, Adam experiences a profound catharsis, liberating himself from years of grief that had hindered him from moving forward.
Scott is astounding. His nuanced reflections on grief and solitude is true artistry. He skillfully encapsulates the character's journey from complete emotional detachment to one of openness and vulnerability. To bear witness as Adam, as he slowly removes the bricks surrounding his heart and openly talks about how his loss led to a detachment from the world, leaves an indelible impact. Scott's performance, in tandem with a heavy hitter like Paul Mescal, lights up the screen. Haigh really takes their natural chemistry and hones it into the heart and soul of the film. The two are quite wonderful and will most likely be the most talked about, however Bell’s performance is one to never forget. His portrayal of a father desperately trying to right the wrongs of his parenting is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It exudes a level of authenticity that audiences rarely see on screen.
The film’s exploration of grief is unlike anything that has come before. It’s subtle and gentle. Never forcing a conflict or being overly sappy to pull on heartstrings. It naturally unfolds in this metaphysical landscape. Trivial questions of what is reality and how much is all in Adam’s head fall to the wasteside. The focus becomes on how such a simple display can reach deep into the recesses of the soul. During my screening I was captivated by the film, but the full weight didn’t hit until the final frame. When going to stand my knees became weak. Like a delayed reaction, the film hits like a wrecking ball and just emotionally pulverizes you.
All of Us Strangers is a cinematic gem. Delicately exploring the profound human experiences of grief, loneliness, and the transformative power of connection. Haigh made a film that makes you want to jump through the screen and give every character the deepest hug. The narratives defies convention, playing out like an emotional symphony. Tactfully inviting viewers to engages in the introspection of their own lives and relationships as well. All of Us Strangers is a cinematic treasure that will be talked about for generations to come.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 2| Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?