All of Us Strangers follow lonely screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott) as he encounters his neighbor, Harry. As his relationship with Harry develops, Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his finds his living parents just as they were on the day they died 30 years ago. While the film gained a lot of momentum around awards season, it was near impossible for me to find a showtime close to me and the film just disappeared amongst all of the other films that were nominated. After watching this for the second time, I felt like it was time to review to highlight why this is one of the most unique films of 2023.

My thoughts on the film mainly stayed consistent on both watches; however, if you know the ending, then of course I viewed the second watch in a different light. Therefore, I’d have to say that I had a new appreciation for the film, because of how well done it all is to pull off that powerful ending. Andrew Scott has always remained an underrated actor, and with this film, this was his time to shine. Without him, the film doesn’t work. Sure, he has had some recognition for his role. Unfortunately, I am worried that his performance, along with the film may be overlooked in the coming years. I guess that’s one problem with only releasing a film in select areas only to have it not be nominated at the Oscars like they thought was going to happen.

When the film opens up, we get a stunning shot of Adam viewing the sunrise from his apartment. What’s quite amazing about this sequence is how the view of the sun slowly turns into Adam’s reflection in the mirror. It’s a beautiful representation of who Adam is. Reserved, yet intuitive. As the film goes on, the acting and cinematography continue to go hand-in-hand perfectly. Director Andrew Haigh has a tremendous vision that makes you view the film differently a second time. When Adam meets Harry, we get Harry’s reflection in a mirror. When the camera cuts back and forth between the two, it’s like going back and forth with your eyes as you watch someone having a conversation from a different perspective.

Shortly afterwards, the film somewhat immediately jumps into the plot, which is perhaps the film’s only drawback. I could have seen at least20 more minutes of Adam’s character and just to see why he is where he is and learn more about his career. When Adam finally finds his father (Jamie Bell) as though he never died, he brings him back to the family home where his mother (Claire Foy) is also still alive.

The sequences between Adam and his parents are amongst the film’s best aspects. He has to talk to two people that he knew from thirty years prior and have them accept him for he is. Based on the way his parents talk to him, he is able to confidently tell them who he really is. At one point, his mother asks him if he has a girlfriend, and his response is that he doesn’t like girls. There is another scene where Adam asks his moment why he never comforted him when he cried. Both scenes are memorable due to how Andrew Scott plays these scenes. He is reserved as he isn’t sure if his parents will still love him, but it’s really that he has to overcome the fact that there is no real indication as to how his parents would have really acted other than the love he had for them growing up. That’s more than enough to help him heal and move on.

When Adam isn’t with his parents, he spends most of his time with Henry, whether that’s in his apartment or at a dance club. The cinematography continues to shine through within the story that intoxicates you into the scene, allowing you to be there with him. The dance club scene alone is without a doubt one of the best scenes in a large amount of great scenes through the film. I don’t think Paul Mescal gets enough praise for his role either. It’s clear he feels very comfortable with Scott. That’s something that I want to point out between the whole cast, writing, and direction. When a cast feels totally confident in their director, this is what we get.

Overall, I really think this film needs to get more attention. Between its cast, writing, direction, and cinematography, it is amongst the best of 2023. Be ready for a shocking and sad ending that will stick with you long after you watch it. I didn’t think I would watch this again so soon, but here we are, and I hope that speaks enough of how brilliant the film truly is.

VERIDCT: Amazing