I am really at a loss how to accurately review this film. I'm not really sure that there is an accurate way. I can say one thing assuredly. It's not what I expected. I'm also sure that the acting is wonderful especially by Andrew Scott in the lead followed closely by Paul Mescal. It is also beautifully made and photographed, but just exactly what is it?! This is a four character film and it is some sort of ghost story, but who is alive and who is not? Clearly Scott's parents (beautifully portrayed by Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) are deceased as they were killed in a car crash when Scott's "Adam" was 12. That does not prevent these two from being a part of Adam's current existence. The question I ponder is whether Adam is alive, deceased or in the process of dying, but no matter what scenario I can come up with, I find logistical flaws. So many oddities and peculiarities. The credits begin with the London skyline completely dark except for one large building that increasingly glows brighter and brighter until there is a gigantic explosion. It is possible that this may be either the beginning or the end of this story. Shortly after the film begins Adam & Harry's (Mescal) building's fire alarm goes off for reasons unknown and they seem to be the only two occupants in this enormous property and it is how they meet. Just prior, we first see Adam alone as he is beginning to write a screenplay about his early life in 1987. We then find him on a train to his childhood home and meets his deceased parents who are no different in any way than when he last saw them and doesn't seem terribly shocked or even ask them how this is possible. They don't seem to have any memory of their own deaths, though they know they did die. Neither Adam or Harry have friends. One has deceased parents, the other is alienated from his. The tragic strangeness and pain surrounding Harry later in the film is too revealing to write about even with a spoiler alert. So many questions that are never answered, but I'm not sure answers are part of the game plan here. Again, this is a ghost story of some sort, but it is also a heartbreaking love story between these two men. The relationship between Adam and his parents is fascinating. The relationship between Adam and Harry is as well. There is so much here I that I have to force myself to stop writing. I've seen it twice now and it affected me more the second time. As draining as some of it is, I'm sure there will be more times. It is mesmerizing and unlike any other film I can think of. Bravo also to the established music effectively used.
Review of All of Us Strangers
