All of Us Strangers (2024), Dir Andrew Haigh, Searchlight Pictures UK. 5*****: Matthew Alicoon.

Cinema – Drama – Fantasy – Romance

All of Us Strangers (2024), Dir Andrew Haigh, Searchlight Pictures UK.

5*****: Matthew Alicoon.

UK Release Date: 26th January 2024

All of Us Strangers follows Adam (Andrew Scott) a Film and Television screenwriter who has a chance encounter with his neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal) in a near-empty apartment block. As the pair get closer Adam is drawn back to his childhood home where he discovers his parents to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years earlier.

Quite simply, All of Us Strangers is wow, wow and WOW.

The film is a masterpiece and I would argue this is one of the greatest films I have seen this decade. All of Us Strangers perfectly encapsulates the power of showing yet telling so much at the same time. As the narrative unravels, the exploration of themes is enriched and intensified throughout. The immense substance beckons throughout with the film discussing acceptance with gay couples, a poignant look at a sons dynamic with his parents, the therapeutic mediation on how to heal from grief and what it is like to suffer in silence. All of Us Strangers is an expertly poetical realization that is initially shielded in mystery, but the unknown becomes an exploratory 4 hander character study. Andrew Haigh’s writing is sublime, as the construction of the film is remarkable.

The performances showcase an acting gravitas. Andrew Scott is heartbreaking in the lead role of Adam, as the mannerisms of his eyes and quietness spoke substantially to his shattered state of mind. Initially, Paul Mescal’s accent takes getting used to, as you kind of forget it is Paul Mescal’s voice, but it is illegal how talented of a showcase he has now developed for himself post Normal People. Mescal tremendously personifies the dual nature of his character by trying to appear tempting and charming yet at the same time is hiding something. It was excellent to see Jamie Bell back in a triumphal role as the Dad, who fluently conforms to the supporting father role. Claire Foy’s ability to act in a scene by delivering a wise cracking line then immediately switching to an innate and concentrated tone gives certain scenes a real acute life perspective. The performances enhance legitimacy and constant feeling.

The quietness at times where characters will look at each other for a while is melancholic yet lovely at the same time thematically. The hallucination drug scenes are skilfully crafted giving a strong immersive nature whilst feeling quite perturbing. The chemistry between Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal is immediately dazzling, luminous and downright charming. Their exchanges feel corresponding throughout and their relationship feels authentic. There is an outstanding delve into how isolation can detrimentally impact a gay man regarding acceptance. It is an exquisitely shot film full of close-up shots that always let you into what a character is thinking.

All of Us Strangers is severely overwhelming, yet it is a sensitive delve into many life issues. It is a transcendent experience that peels back the layers seamlessly as the film progresses. The performances are textbook perfection and it is a film that will you hit at the core yet stay with you for a while after seeing it.

I saw All of Us Strangers as part of the Home Manchester BFI London Film Festival’s 2023 UK tour but the film officially does not come out in the UK until January 26th 2024, so I will honourably count it as a 2024 release. After coming out of the film with goosebumps I can confidently say that All of Us Strangers will likely make my top 10 of 2024.

I am just sad I must wait three months to rewatch this work of art :(