All of Us Strangers — A Review
“All of Us Strangers is a 2023 British romantic fantasy film written and directed by Andrew Haigh, and based on the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. The film stars Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, and Claire Foy.” — Wikipedia
Last night, I got the chance to watch All of Us Strangers. I went into the movie knowing that it would be an emotional watch, but nothing prepared me for how profoundly sad and beautiful it would actually be.
The movie follows Adam, a man in his early thirties (played by a brilliant Andrew Scott) who lives alone in a luxury apartment building in the middle of London. He’s a screenwriter who seems to be very lonely until he meets his mysterious neighbor, Harry (played by Paul Mescal). Soon after, Adam decides to go back to his childhood home in the suburbs, where he is reunited with his parents (played by Jamie Bell and Claire Foy). His parents, however, died in a car accident when Adam was only 12. They appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. Both Adam, and his parents are aware of their situation, and the time that has passed since their death. The movie is spent exploring the relationships between Adam and his parents, and all that they wish they could’ve said to one another over the years. While this is happening, Adam is also developing a relationship with Harry, which is beautiful in a very different way.
I don’t want to give away any more of the plot, however, I will tell you that this movie made me cry more than any other movie has in the past few years. Writer and director, Andrew Haigh, has carefully crafted dialogue, moments of silence, and musical interludes with such intention and honor. The feelings of loneliness, grief and love come through the screen in a tender, yet chilling way. As someone who has lost a parent in a sudden and traumatic way, I can say confidently that this movie explores feelings that I’ve encountered in the past.
Anyone who has grieved a loss knows how we would do pretty much anything to be able to talk to, or just be in the presence of our deceased loved ones. This movie takes that concept to the next level and delivers heartbreaking lines that punch you in the gut and leave you feeling raw. I’m so grateful that this movie exists and I hope everyone gets the chance to watch it.
