All Of Us Strangers (2023)

I went into “All Of Us Strangers” movie not knowing anything about it, and as I watched, I felt very torn. Yes, I was loving many elements, especially the acting and chemistry of Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, but I could not get over the fact of the casting of Jamie Bell and Claire Foy. That fact was bringing the whole movie down for me, and honestly, I was ready to destroy it in my review. Then, that choice was the reason this movie got elevated to something else completely.

I will not go into spoilers, but this is a movie that takes a completely different approach to the storyline structure than you would expect. Yes, it does not always work, but the flaws that come from it are completely worth it for the fact that it delivers something so original and powerful.

Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal’s performances and courage to take on a role where they expose themselves so much are also reasons the movie works, even in the most confused moments of the narrative.

Andrew Haigh‘s writing is also another highlight. Yes, he does a great job behind the camera, but it is the writing that gets us invested, and when he has actors of the caliber of Scott and Mescal, it just hits us with every single word.

Navigating through this cinematic offering proves to be a formidable task, demanding a substantial investment of time and intellectual energy from the viewer to fully grapple with its intricacies. The narrative unfolds with deliberate ambiguity, prompting an ongoing questioning of the significance behind various elements. This perpetual state of inquiry persists until the climax, where revelations cascade in a manner that radically shifts the storytelling dynamics. However, the hastened resolution leaves scant room for contemplation, resulting in a climactic impact that, while akin to a punch to the stomach, is regrettably subdued by its hurried delivery, relegating it to the status of an almost incidental afterthought.

One cannot overlook the crucial role played by Jamie D. Ramsay in the film’s visual narrative. His cinematography emerges as a silent architect, skillfully constructing the story within each frame with a finesse that renders verbal exposition almost redundant. The interplay of natural light and carefully crafted contrasts contributes significantly to the creation of an atmosphere that is at once immersive and intimate.

As the film unfolds, it becomes apparent that its challenging nature may deter a significant portion of the audience. Yet, for those intrepid enough to persist until the closing credits, a certain resonance with the film’s thematic depth is likely to be discovered. This resonance, although nuanced and multifaceted, rewards the viewer with a more profound understanding that transcends the initial complexities encountered during the viewing experience. Thus, the film, while not easily digestible, emerges as a rewarding venture for those who invest the time and intellectual curiosity required to navigate its intricate narrative landscape.

Have you seen it? What did you think?