All of Us Strangers

Had the privilege of catching this film early as it screened at the London Film Festival. I had high hopes after seeing the critics reviews and it did not disappoint.

The story follows Adam and his neighbour Harry, with whom he develops a romantic relationship with, as he deals with the grief from his parents tragic death when he was child.

The film cuts across genres. At times it is funny, sad, romantic, and even horrifying. It is a damning depiction of the loneliness epidemic among younger men while also dealing with the added challenges faced by those within the lgbt community in trying to fit in.

The chemistry between Scott and Mescal is brilliant, while Foy and Bell really hit the right note in their roles. The film is also beautifully shot and has a lovely palette of colours within.

It's a tough watch and left me with a lump in my throat for the entire final third, but it thoroughly deserves all the praise it has received so far.

9/10.

I saw this at the Cork International Film Festival, so seeing 2 Irish leads like Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal performing as they did was a tantalizing factor for me and those watching.

The film brilliantly captures one man's complex processing of grief and loss, with the protagonists particular story holding different factors for viewers to latch on to. It is a raw watch, which touches on the themes of loss, pain, and love.

The 2024 awards season should look favourably on Andrew Scott's performance in this film. His portrayal of this mans intriguing, yet sensitive approach of coming to terms with such tragic events in his life could not have been played better by any other actor. An enormous amount of credit must to go Andrew Haigh's directing and writing, who produced a flawless ensemble to play off of a script where every scene and word was situated perfectly.

I realised towards the end of this film that I was gasping for breath. I had to pause it several times just to catch up with all the feelings it was evoking.

Such a powerful and moving insight into self enforced loneliness and fantasising about what could have been. Themes of loss, love, memory, and time, handled and explored with such care. The intimacy captured so beautifully. I just know I'm going to be thinking about this film for the next few days, nothing has moved me like this in a long time.

Incredible performances from the two leads. Their ability to portray raw vulnerability left me dumbfounded at points.

Perfect soundtrack that complimented the sentiments of each scene. Just the right amount of tension and release. Beautifully balanced in terms of light and dark. A perfect film all round.

I've been wanting to watch "All of Us Strangers" ever since I found out about this movie, and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. This subtle masterpiece weaves a poignant tale of grief, loneliness, and love, leaving an indelible mark on the heart. The brilliant performances from the two main actors elevate the film to a level of emotional depth rarely seen.

The story unfolds as a masterclass in tragedy, exploring the intricate web of human connections and the profound impact of loss. The movie broke my heart into a million pieces tonight, evoking a range of emotions that lingered long after the credits rolled.

"All of Us Strangers" is more than a film; it's an experience that resonates with the rawness of life's complexities. The nuanced storytelling, coupled with stellar acting, makes it a must-watch. Highly recommended for those who appreciate films that delve into the intricacies of the human soul.

How on earth will I manage to find the right words to describe the cinematic experience this film gave me? (English is not my mother tongue) I still have to try.

I remember Liv Ullmann in a lecture talking about the film Persona. She said a movie doesn't have to explain everything to you. Give all answers. But instead give you something that you take with you and think about. Maybe after a while you think; aha, that's how it was! She also said that a film can change you, and give you new perspectives. I think that is a summary I can share with her about this special, beautiful and profound film.

For me, who also lost my parents at an early age, the film's message about loss and coming to terms with loss was right at the center of my heart. I have very rarely experienced such magnificent acting as Paul Mescena and Andrew Scott give us here. But I don't think the message would have been as real without Andrew Haigh's script and the lead actors. That these two actors and the film are not included in the Oscar nominations this year is shocking. They give it their all in this film, and take us viewers on a journey about alienation, loneliness and, not least, how to live on after great losses.

In addition to excellent acting, a strong message, Andrew Haigh has also provided excellent music, a journey back in time for me as a youth in the 80s. Rarely has the maligned pop music of this decade come into its own more than in this masterpiece.

I will never forget this film.