All of us Strangers (2023) Romance Movie Review

In this unique space, the film explores unexpected connections, like the delicate blossoming of an unconventional love or even stranger encounters, such as communication with the departed. The eerie ambiance is established right from the moment the golden light touches the building's windows, almost as if it has traversed the vastness of space for this precise moment and location.

Andrew Haigh's prior works reveal his keen interest in relationships and intimacy, although not veering into the supernatural. "Weekend" delves into the transformation of a one-night stand into something more profound within a short timeframe, while "45 Years" portrays the heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship. Both films showcase Haigh's understanding of human behavior and his compassionate approach to actors, allowing them the space to emote and create. Charlotte Rampling's Academy Award nomination for "45 Years" attests to Haigh's knack for nurturing talent.

In "All of Us Strangers," Scott takes on the role of Adam, initially bathed in a strange, glowing light that seems to draw him in. Adam is a screenwriter, though he's not exactly focused on his work, preferring to putter around and procrastinate. His routine is interrupted when Harry, the only other resident in the building, knocks on his door one night. Harry, who is drunk, flirtatious, and charming, is seeking a hookup. Although nothing transpires that night, a subtle connection is formed.

Adam occasionally takes a bus to visit his childhood home in a nearby suburb, where his parents (played by Foy and Bell) reside. Strangely, they appear the same age as when they passed away in a car crash when Adam was 12. The reunion at the door is filled with emotions, but the intensity becomes overwhelming. This sense of "too much" permeates the film, as each interaction spills into the next - between Adam and Harry, Adam and his mom, and Adam and his dad. There's no filler or downtime; it's a continuous flow of intense emotional release after another.

Haigh approaches "All of Us Strangers" with a light touch, cutting out unnecessary details. The film, loosely based on Taichi Yamada's 1987 novel "Strangers," follows a man emerging from seclusion, confronting both his past and present. Losing both parents in a car crash at 12 shapes his entire life. The reunion with his parents, who appear the same age as when they died, isn't smooth. When he reveals he's gay, his mother is shocked and worried, holding outdated views. On the flip side, his dad's reaction, portrayed by the always interesting Jamie Bell, adds a poignant twist.

Despite the potentially sentimental subject matter, the actors elevate the material. The emphasis isn't just on words but the underlying emotions. Each of the four performers injects genuine, unfiltered feelings into their roles. This emotional depth gives the supernatural elements of "All of Us Strangers" a touch of reality. It captures how meeting your deceased parents might actually feel - a desire for connection, an urgency to express the unsaid, and a willingness to get straight to the point without beating around the bush.

As Harry and Adam's relationship unfolds in real time, the film delicately portrays their tenderness and consideration for each other. Adam, who's been mostly celibate, grapples with discomfort at physical intimacy but yearns for it nonetheless. The age difference between them becomes apparent, especially in how they view se-x; Harry lacks the fear associated with a potentially life-threatening outcome. Their conversations about these differences are remarkable, highlighting the scarcity of honest adult romances in cinema. Just as there's no small talk between Adam and his parents, the same holds true for Adam and Harry.

While much of "All of Us Strangers" is compelling, some aspects, particularly the ending, may not resonate well, feeling convoluted and predetermined. The film's premise might strike some as cheesy, resembling an artificially created family therapy session. It's understandable if this elicits a skeptical reaction. Personally, when I have a strong response to a film, I, as a critic, critically examine it – whether my reaction is positive or negative. I seek out my biases, question any resistance, and evaluate if the film achieves its intended goals rather than wishing for an entirely different movie. "All of Us Strangers" triggered such a profound personal response that I found myself unable to critically analyze it objectively. The emotional impact was so intense that it erased any sense of detachment. The film allowed me to vicariously live out the fantasy of reconnecting with my father, expressing that I'm doing well, reassuring him, and relishing the joy of seeing his face and hearing his laughter again. The emotion was simply overwhelming.