Everything Everywhere All At Once

A24

Running Time: 139 Minutes

Review: Matthew Alicoon, Friday 20th May 2022

Everything Everywhere All At Once follows a laundromat named Evelyn (Played by Michele Yeoh) who is struggling to pay her taxes on time after being pulled up on the matter by the Internal Revenue Service (IRIS). Whilst this happens, Evelyn discovers she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent the destruction of the multiverse.

The plot synopsis hardly scratches the surface on what this film beholds.

Everything Everywhere All At Once is a revolutionary piece of cinema proving how powerful originality and artistry can be in an ever-growing industry with sequels and reboots. The film has an overarching ambiguity to it where you have no idea where the story is going and you are glued to the screen to find out what happens. The script written by the collaborative duo of the Daniels is pristine, as it carries such strong voices. The film is fast paced and it has incredibly articulated characterisations within the opening minutes.

The ensemble cast is superb. Everyone is at the top of their game turning in career best performances. It was fascinating to see Ke Huy Quan's return to acting after being inspired by Crazy Rich Asians. The best thing is you would not know he had a break from acting, as his performance is heartfelt and sympathetic. Jamie Lee Curtis disappears in the film, as you do not think at any point this is Laurie Strode from Halloween. Her storyline is excellent. However, Michelle Yeoh was an enigmatic tour-de-force who you fully believe was playing alternate versions of herself.

The camera work in the film is sublime, as the whole film is like watching art play out in front of you. The shots have a slickness yet cleanliness to them through the brilliant cinematography. The intricacy and detail that went into a handful of shots is mind-blowing, as the timing was perfect. The attention to detail is massive, as we see glimpses into the multiverses but the creatives choose to show certain shots even if they are for a split second. The multiverse transitions do not feel gimmicky, as they are consistently believable. Also, the fight scenes are precisely choreographed.

The dedication shown within this film is awe-inspiring, as it is so professional to see a cast and crew make a film with a 25 million dollar budget become something bigger. The film leaves a lasting impression that Everything Everywhere All At Once could stand the test of time in film history. For the studio A24, they are constantly demonstrating why they are versatile, artistic and original. The company name can draw in attention quite easily but the films originality is unique and should be focused on.

The story is profoundly impactful as the film carries a deeper theme which you realise towards the end. The way the underlying truth of the film is projected through the metaphors are perfect. The pay-off is worth it.

Cast

Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang

Stephanie Hsu as Joy Wang

Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang

James Hong as Gong Gong

Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdra