For a long time, I hesitated to watch All of Us Strangers, knowing that it deals with the loss of loved ones. I finally took the plunge recently, and the experience rewarded me richly.
Mild spoilers ahead.
The film isn’t strictly queer; rather, it’s a broader meditation on loss. Andrew Haigh, known for films like Weekend (2011) and 45 Years (2015), has grown significantly as a director. All of Us Strangers is loosely based on the novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada, which also explores themes of grief and supernatural encounters. The film follows Adam (Andrew Scott), a lonely screenwriter who develops a relationship with his mysterious neighbor, Harry (Paul Mescal), while also visiting his childhood home, where he encounters his parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell), who died when he was a child.
The film maintains a “dreamlike” atmosphere throughout, blending reality and fantasy in a way that makes the audience question what is real. The cinematography, handled by Jamie D. Ramsay, enhances this ethereal quality with soft lighting and intimate framing, creating an almost hypnotic experience. The performances by all four lead actors are exceptional, with a special mention of the chemistry between Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The film’s emotional depth is further amplified by Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch’s poignant musical score, along with a carefully curated soundtrack featuring tracks from the 80s and 90s, adding to its nostalgic and melancholic tone.
As for the revelation at the film’s conclusion, which may have bothered some viewers, I personally felt it tied in well with the rest of the narrative. The film explores deep emotions and themes such as loss, loneliness, and the need for connection. I look forward to Haigh’s next projects and strongly recommend watching All of Us Strangers as well as his previous works.
