Review: All Of Us Strangers

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Official synopsis: A screenwriter, Adam (Andrew Scott) drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor, Harry (Paul Mescal) as he then discovers his parents (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before.

My theater advertised getting this for one week only, so of course I had to rush out to see it.  I've been in love with Andrew Scott's work ever since I saw him in BBC's Sherlock. This might be his best work yet. 

Do away with the "how" when watching this film. It doesn't matter. What matters is why Adam is feeling what he's feeling and seeing what he's seeing. Scott gives such a nuanced, heartbreaking performance. Can you imagine your adult self having the type of conversations he's having with his parents? Mine are still around, and even I can't image connecting with them on a deep level like this. There's a scene where his mother remarks that she's jealous that his grandmother got to raise him when she didn't. I felt that. But the beauty of this film is that even though there are so emotional beats, the film never overwhelms you with them and brings you into tragedy porn territory. You're just there, drifting with Adam.

It's a shame the Oscars shut out this gorgeous film. It has so much to say about grief and loneliness. I'm just glad I was able to experience it.

Grade: A 

Comments

  1. thevoid99January 30, 2024 at 2:36 PM

    This is one of many from 2023 that I want to see as I love Andrew Haigh's films and any film that features an effective usage of the Pet Shop Boys' cover of "Always on My Mind" by the King is earworm for me. I doubt my multiplex would play it as they're known for being homophobic.

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    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 31, 2024 at 8:20 AM

      Ugh, I hate that. Our indie theater only got this for one week. I wish it could have a longer run.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2024 at 7:40 AM

    This sounds very interesting and I’m a Bit lost. His parents are dead but he sees them at his home town? It sound intriguing

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    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 31, 2024 at 8:19 AM

      Yep! Makes you wonder how he's seeing them. Fever dream, a screenplay he's writing. So many possibilities.

      Delete
  3. RuthFebruary 4, 2024 at 7:27 PM

    I LOVE this film and so bummed that Andrew Scott was overlooked by BAFTA and Oscar voters. His performance is indeed heartbreaking, I'm glad I packed tissues before going into seeing this.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 14, 2024 at 8:06 AM

      I know! Especially when they went nuts for Bradley Cooper in a far worse performance IMO.

      Delete

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