All of Us Strangers is a 2023 British romantic fantasy film written and directed by Andrew Haigh, and loosely based on the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada. It stars Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, and Claire Foy. The second feature adaptation of the novel, after the Japanese film The Discarnates (1988), the film follows a lonely screenwriter who develops an intimate relationship with his mysterious neighbour while revisiting memories from the past.
| All of Us Strangers | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Andrew Haigh |
| Written by | Andrew Haigh |
| Based on | Strangers by Taichi Yamada |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jamie D. Ramsay |
| Edited by | Jonathan Alberts |
| Music by | Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Searchlight Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 105 minutes[1] |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $20.2 million[2][3] |
All of Us Strangers premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on 31 August 2023, and was released in the United Kingdom by Searchlight Pictures on 26 January 2024. It received critical acclaim, was named one of the top ten independent films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, and earned six BAFTA Award nominations.
Plot
editLonely television screenwriter Adam lives a secluded life in London. At his tower block, he meets his drunk neighbour Harry, who has noticed him in the building and wants to join him for the night. Reluctantly, Adam declines and sends Harry away.
Adam begins writing and decides to visit his suburban childhood home, now unoccupied. He encounters his parents, who both died in a car accident decades earlier just before he was twelve. Adam has dinner with them and promises to visit again.
Returning to his flat, Adam encounters Harry by the lift. He reciprocates Harry's interest from earlier and the two begin a passionate relationship. Adam learns of Harry's own feelings of distance from his family, and the two slowly begin to build a life together.
Adam has several subsequent meetings with his parents. During a talk with his mother, Adam reveals his sexual orientation and they discuss it. His mother accepts that Adam is gay, but reacts with concern and slight discomfort. On a later visit with his father, Adam discusses being hurt by his father's silence about the bullying Adam experienced as a child. The two tearfully reconcile and hug.
Later, as Adam and Harry's relationship flourishes, the two spend a lot of time clubbing and begin to do ketamine together. One night Adam wakes up after a blackout and discovers he is back at his parents' home, this time at Christmas. They hang lights on the Christmas tree together and celebrate happily as music plays. Unable to sleep, Adam gets in bed with his parents and tells his mother about being sent to stay with his grandmother after her death, which his mother laments. Adam then drifts back to his life with Harry.
Adam seemingly awakes on an Underground train and sees Harry in the next car. Harry is distant and does not approach him. Adam sees a vision of his younger self screaming in the reflection of the train car. In actuality, Adam is in his bed, suddenly waking up crying. Harry has brought him home after a club incident where Adam had a panic attack. Adam discusses the details of his parents' death. He reveals his father died instantly in the car accident, while his mother lingered for several days in the hospital. His grandmother kept Adam from seeing his mother due to her dire condition, which has forever haunted Adam.
Adam takes Harry on a trip that night to meet his parents. Harry is skeptical and somewhat alarmed at Adam's behaviour. They find the house empty. Concerned about Adam's mental condition, Harry urges them to leave. Adam's mother is then seen beyond the window peering at them through the glass. Adam pounds on the door until the glass breaks.
Upon waking up the next morning with his parents, they explain that Harry went home. They tell Adam that in order for him to find happiness, he must let them go and move forward in his life with Harry. They take him to his favourite childhood restaurant, where they ask about the circumstances of their deaths. Adam tells them they both died instantly, which is a relief to his mother, although untrue. The three tearfully reaffirm their love for each other, after which both parents vanish.
Having accepted the loss of his parents, Adam goes home to see Harry. He enters Harry's flat and notices an awful stench, with drug residue on a table and squalor throughout the flat. Adam finds Harry dead in the bedroom, holding the same whiskey bottle he was drinking on the night they met. Harry has been dead all along, having been an apparition similar to his parents.
Outside the room, Harry's ghost is distraught and crying, as he did not want Adam to see him as a corpse. Adam assures Harry that everything will be all right, and takes Harry back to his flat. The two lie in bed together, tightly in each other's arms. When Harry asks Adam to play a record, he puts on "The Power of Love" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The two fade into a small beam of light among stars in the night sky as the screen turns to black.
Cast
edit- Andrew Scott as Adam
- Carter John Grout as young Adam
- Paul Mescal as Harry
- Jamie Bell as Adam's father
- Claire Foy as Adam's mother
Production
editGraham Broadbent and Sarah Harvey of Blueprint Pictures first pitched the project to Yamada in June 2017. Later that year, Haigh and Film4 Productions came on board. Haigh described his adaptation of the novel as "a long and sometimes painful process". He said, "I wanted to pick away at my own past as Adam does in the film. I was interested in exploring the complexities of both familial and romantic love, but also the distinct experience of a specific generation of gay people growing up in the 80s. I wanted to move away from the traditional ghost story of the novel and find something more psychological, almost metaphysical."[4]
On 30 June 2022, the film, then known as Strangers, and the principal cast were announced.[5] The announced plot was brief and vaguely worded, and attracted inquiries on social media as to whether the film involved a romance between Scott and Mescal's characters.[6]
Filming was in progress in the United Kingdom when the announcement was made.[5] Haigh's childhood home served as the filming location for the house in which Adam finds his parents.[7][4] Nightclub sequences were shot on location at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.[4]
Release
editThe film premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on 31 August 2023, and played at the 2023 New York Film Festival on 1 October 2023. It also made it to the main competition of the 68th Valladolid International Film Festival.[8] Cork International Film Festival chose the film as its International Gala film, acting as the Irish premier, on 19 November 2023. The screening was held at the Everyman Theatre to a packed house. The QCinema International Film Festival hosted three screenings of the film on 19, 20, and 24 November 2023.[9] It began a limited release in the United States on 22 December 2023 and was released in the United Kingdom on 26 January 2024.[10][11][12]
Reception
editBox office
editIn its limited opening weekend, the film made $232,909 from four theaters, a per-venue average of $58,000.[13][14]
Critical response
edit
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 96% of 262 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.8/10. The website's consensus reads: "All of Us Strangers examines profound grief and love through a fantastical lens that is always grounded on human emotion."[15] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 90 out of 100, based on 53 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[16] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[13]
Filmmaker Edgar Wright praised the film, saying "I am in awe of what Andrew [Haigh] managed to do in this film. It's a true testament to his artistry that he was able to make a film so personal, emotional and resonant, yet also so satisfying within its place in a genre. Though a traditional ghost story might end on a note of sadness or shock, the fact that Andrew is able to leave us with a moment of infinite beauty is to be cherished."[17]
Accolades
editThe film won seven awards at the 2023 British Independent Film Awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay.[18]
Notes
edit- ^ This award does not have a single winner, but recognizes multiple films.
- ^ Shared with Killers of the Flower Moon.
- ^ Shared with Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers, Emma Stone for Poor Things, and Kôji Yakusho for Perfect Days.
- ^ Shared with Tony McNamara for Poor Things.
References
edit- ^ "All Of Us Strangers". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ "All of Us Strangers". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "All of Us Strangers (2023) - Financial Information". The Numbers. 25 March 2024.
- ^ a b c "Production Notes" (PDF). Searchlight Pictures. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ a b Hazelton, John; Tabbara, Mona (30 June 2022). "Andrew Haigh sets new feature 'Strangers' with Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell". Screen Daily. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ Peters, Fletcher (30 June 2022). "Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott Are Making a Movie Together, But Is It Gay? Hopefully". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ Canfield, David (23 August 2023). "Inside All of Us Strangers, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal's Metaphysical Love Story". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ^ D'Ocon, Manuel (5 October 2023). "¿Paul Mescal en Valladolid?: 'All Of Us Strangers' se convierte en la película estrella de la Seminci". Fotogramas (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "All of Us Strangers". QCinema International Film Festival. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (7 August 2023). "Searchlight Dates 'All Of Us Strangers' During Pre-Christmas Frame". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ Bergeson, Samantha (7 August 2023). "Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott Lead Andrew Haigh's Ghostly Drama 'All of Us Strangers' — First Look". IndieWire. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ Iftikhar, Asyia (13 September 2023). "Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott's gay romance All of Us Strangers finally gets UK release date". PinkNews. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (24 December 2023). "'Salaar', 'Dunki' In Top Ten, 'All Of Us Strangers' Sees Solid Debut, 'Poor Things' Aces Expansion – Specialty Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
- ^ Fernandas, George. "All of Us Strangers review — A Heartbreaking story". Cinematic Central. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "All of Us Strangers". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "All of Us Strangers". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "16 Directors Praise 2023's Best Films: Alfonso Cuarón on 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' Jane Campion on 'Priscilla' and More". 13 December 2023.
- ^ Zac Ntim (3 December 2023). "British Independent Film Awards: 'All Of Us Strangers' Sweeps With 7 Wins Including Best Film". Deadline. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (14 September 2023). "'Fallen Leaves', 'About Dry Grasses', 'La Chimera' among Chicago fest international line-up (exclusive)". Screendaily. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- ^ "Seminci completa su Sección Oficial a concurso con 'Desconocidos' (All of Us Strangers), la nueva película de Paul Mescal y Andrew Scott, y 'Sala de profesores', la gran triunfadora de los premios del cine alemán". Cine y Tele (in Spanish). 5 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ Hopewell, John; Sandovaldate, Pablo (29 October 2023). "Valladolid: 'The Permanent Picture,' 'The Old Oak' Win Big as the Spanish Festival's Reboot Wins Applause". Variety. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ "2023 Montclair Film Festival Award Winners Announced!". Montclair Film Festival. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ Caranicas, Peter (17 October 2023). "'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Black Lies' and 'All of Us Strangers' Among Main Competition Films at Camerimage". Variety. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (24 October 2023). "'Past Lives,' 'A Thousand and One' and 'All of Us Strangers' Top Gotham Awards Film Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (2 November 2023). "Jodie Comer, Paul Mescal Score Nods as Rye Lane, Scrapper, All of Us Strangers Lead British Independent Film Awards Nominations". Variety. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (20 November 2023). "'All Of Us Strangers' leads Bifa 2023 craft winners with three awards; 'Femme', 'The Kitchen' take two each". Screen International. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ Davis, Clayton (6 November 2023). "'Killers of the Flower Moon' Named Best Picture by National Board of Review, Lily Gladstone and Paul Giamatti Nab Top Acting Honors". Variety. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ Davis, Clayton (10 December 2023). "'The Zone of Interest' Wins Best Picture at Los Angeles Film Critics Awards, Four Women Take Acting Prizes (Full Winners List)". Variety. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ Blauvelt, Christian (11 December 2023). "2023 Critics Poll: The Best Films and Performances, According to 158 Critics from Around the World". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian (8 December 2023). "Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer, Poor Things Lead CFCA Nominations". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (17 December 2023). "The 2023 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Winners". Next Best Picture. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (13 December 2023). "Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Nominations". AwardsWatch. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
- ^ Merin, Jennifer (22 December 2023). "2023 EDA Awards Nominees". Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (6 January 2024). "'Past Lives' Named Best Picture by National Society of Film Critics". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
- ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (11 December 2023). "Golden Globes 2024: Full Nominations List (Updating Live)". Variety. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (3 January 2024). "The 2023 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (5 January 2024). "The 2023 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle (SFBAFCC) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (12 January 2024). "The 2023 Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) Winners". Next Best Picture. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (13 December 2023). "2024 Critics Choice Awards film nominations: See the full list". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ Darling, Cary (9 January 2024). "Barbie, Oppenheimer lead Houston Film Critics Society's nominations". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ Darling, Cary (22 January 2024). "Houston Film Critics Society names Poor Things the best film of 2023". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ Wilbur, Brock (28 January 2024). "KC Film Critics Circle announce 58th Annual James Loutzenhiser Awards for excellence in film". The Pitch. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ Anderson, Erik (20 December 2023). "London Critics' Circle Film Awards Nominations: 'All of Us Strangers' Leads with Nine". AwardsWatch. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (14 December 2023). "Oppenheimer Leads Australia's AACTA International Awards Nominations; Barbie & Killers of the Flower Moon Close Behind". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ Ritman, Alex; Shafer, Ellise (18 January 2024). "BAFTA Film Awards Nominations: Oppenheimer and Poor Things Lead as Barbie Falls Short". Variety. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ Keates, Emma (5 December 2023). "Here are all the nominees for the 2024 Film Independent Spirit awards". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
- ^ Coates, Tyler (26 February 2024). "Dorian Film Awards: All of Us Strangers Sweeps Queer Film Critic Honors". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "IPA Reveals Nominations for the 28th Satellite™ Awards". International Press Academy. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (17 January 2024). "GLAAD Media Awards Nominations Revealed". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ "Nominations announced for the Critics Choice Association's 4th Annual "Critics Choice Super Awards" honoring Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, and Action Movies and Series". Critics Choice Associations. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
