“All of Us Strangers” (2023)

Drama

Running Time: 106 minutes

Written and directed by: Andrew Haigh

Featuring: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell and Claire Foy

Mum: “I suppose we don’t get to decide when it ends.”

Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” is more than a film; it’s an experience. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of grief, love, and existential longing, each strand shimmering under the golden light of memory and possibility. It’s a film that burrows deep into the core of human experience, unearthing raw emotions and confronting us with the ghosts of our past while illuminating the shimmering paths that lie ahead.

At the heart of the film lies Adam (Andrew Scott), a screenwriter adrift in a sea of grief and loneliness. Haunted by the loss of his parents in a childhood accident, he exists in a self-imposed isolation, the walls of his near-empty London flat mirroring the emptiness within. Enter Harry (Paul Mescal), a vibrant, enigmatic neighbor who disrupts Adam’s carefully constructed equilibrium with his infectious energy and unyielding curiosity. Their chance encounter blossoms into a passionate connection, a lifeline thrown across the chasms of their respective demons.

But “All of Us Strangers” is not simply a love story. It’s a profound exploration of grief and reconciliation. Through Adam’s journey, Haigh weaves a poignant tapestry of unsaid words and unexpressed emotions. We witness the rawness of Adam’s pain, the way it manifests in self-destructive habits and emotional numbness. We see the ghosts of his parents, not as spectral figures, but as living memories that both torment and hold the promise of solace.

Then there’s Harry, a force of nature who shakes Adam from his torpor. Mescal imbues Harry with a vulnerability that mirrors Adam’s own, yet tempered with a youthful optimism that offers a glimmer of hope. Their relationship, charged with passion and tenderness, becomes a catalyst for Adam’s healing. It’s not a straightforward journey; it’s messy, fraught with misunderstandings and hurt, but ultimately, it’s a testament to the transformative power of human connection.

The film transcends the boundaries of conventional narrative. Time folds in on itself as Adam finds himself in his childhood home, his parents alive and unchanged, thirty years after their death. This surreal element is not a gimmick; it’s a potent metaphor for the way grief can warp time and space, trapping us in a perpetual limbo. The reunion with his parents is both agonizing and beautiful, a chance to confront the unspoken, a dance with the ghosts of what could have been.

Haigh’s masterful direction elevates the material to sublime heights. The cinematography is breathtaking, bathing the film in a golden glow that reflects Adam’s yearning for warmth and connection. The soundtrack, a melancholic mix of acoustic melodies and atmospheric electronics, underscores the emotional resonance of every scene. And the performances are simply brilliant. Scott delivers a tour-de-force performance as Adam, capturing the character’s vulnerability, anger, and raw tenderness with unparalleled skill. Mescal, despite having a smaller role, is equally captivating, injecting Harry with a magnetic charm that leaves you wanting more.

“All of Us Strangers” is not a film for the faint of heart. It’s a raw, emotional journey that demands your full attention. But if you’re willing to surrender to its embrace, it will reward you with an experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a film that celebrates the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring presence of those we’ve lost. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest corners of our grief, there is always the possibility of light, of healing, and of finding solace in the tapestry of strangers who become our anchors, our lovers, and the guiding stars on the path towards wholeness.

My previous review touched upon the emotional core of “All of Us Strangers,” but there’s so much more to unpack from this cinematic tapestry. Let’s delve deeper into some of the film’s thematic nuances and explore how they resonate with different viewers:

1. The Limbo of Grief: Haigh brilliantly captures the limbo state that grief creates. Adam exists in a space between past and present, unable to fully move forward while chained to the loss of his parents. The surreal element of his childhood home existing unchanged underscores this feeling of being trapped in time. This resonated deeply for me, reminding me of my own experiences with grief and the struggle to reconcile the past with the present.
2. Facing the Unspoken: Through Adam’s reunion with his parents, the film confronts the unspoken words and unresolved emotions that can linger after a loved one’s passing. The dialogue between them is raw and unfiltered, tackling themes of regret, anger, and forgiveness. This resonated with my own anxieties about conversations I wish I’d had with those who are gone, offering a cathartic release.
3. The Transformative Power of Connection: While grief isolates, love offers a lifeline. Harry’s presence disrupts Adam’s isolation, forcing him to confront his emotional vulnerability. Their relationship serves as a reminder that even in the midst of immense pain, the connection with another soul can be a catalyst for healing and growth. This resonated with the hope I’ve found in my own connections after loss, highlighting the importance of reaching out and allowing others to support us.
4. The Fragility of Reality: The film flirts with the boundaries of reality, blurring the lines between past and present, dream and reality. This raises questions about the nature of time and memory, challenging us to reconsider the way we perceive our own experiences. This resonated with my fascination with the subjective nature of reality, encouraging me to reflect on how personal interpretation shapes our understanding of the world.
5. The Enduring Presence of the Lost: Although physically gone, Adam’s parents remain a powerful presence in his life. They exist not just as ghosts, but as a part of his identity, shaping his choices and motivating him to live more fully. This resonated with my belief that those we love continue to influence us even after they’re gone, reminding me to honor their memory through my actions.

“All of Us Strangers” is a film that invites individual interpretation. These are just some of the themes and resonances that struck me, and you may find yourself drawn to different aspects of the film’s rich tapestry. Ultimately, its strength lies in its ability to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression on the viewer long after the final scene. “All of Us Strangers” is a masterful cinematic achievement. It’s a film that lingers in the mind and heart, a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the deepest corners of the human experience.