By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Andrew Haigh
Starring: Andrew Scott | Carter John Grout | Claire Foy | Jamie Bell | Paul Mescal
Year: 2023
Running time: 105
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21192142/reference/
Diane says: “ALL OF US STRANGERS opens with three scenes of admirable economy. Later on, director and screenwriter Andrew Haigh (45 YEARS, LEAN ON PETE) finds creative and convincing ways to pull us deep into someone’s psyche, adapting a novel that I imagine was tricky. Lead Andrew Scott gives a fine, mostly muted performance as Adam—his character, marked by a tragedy early in life, pushes down his emotions. Paul Mescal plays Adam’s neighbor—his only neighbor in a high-rise apartment building, a role that many actors would have handled just as well, and it’s too bad I had to see Mescal with that mustache, Melodramatic in a way that satisfied me, I give this one 4 cats.”
Michael says: “There’s been a lot of hoopla about Andrew Haigh’s new gay romance starring Adam Scott (the sexy priest from Fleabag) and Paul Mescal (the sexy young dad and Chlotrudis Awards winner from AFTERSUN), and I use the phrase gay romance, because that’s what I’ve seen in several reviews and promos. This film is definitely not a romance. What it is, is a powerful, well-constructed melodrama about dealing with grief and trying to move on.
“Deeply steeped in magical realism, there’s a lot to love about ALL OF US STRANGERS. Scott and Mescal do not disappoint, with very strong, restrained performances to match the muted nature of the story (and I like the moustache, Diane). Supporting actors, Claire Foy, and particularly Jamie Bell (BILLY ELLIOT has sure grown up) are quite strong as the lead character’s parents. The South London locale is unique and suits the film well, with its rapid transit, and gloomy cityscapes. Adam’s (Andrew Scott) struggle with the loss of his parents at age 12 had particular poignancy for a gay man, and resonated strongly with me even though I did not lose my parents until adulthood. Like one of my favorite films, DONNIE DARKO, ALL OF US STRANGERS is also constructed the way I love my films – open to several different interpretations. After the film, my friends and I discussed the different ways to saw the film and I really love that.
“For all the film’s many strong points, Haigh just doesn’t seem to be able to hit the heights of a 5 cat film for me. His debut, WEEKEND, about two men who meet and spend an intense sexual weekend together before parting, possibly forever, was also very strong, but was lacking that last push to get it over the top. With this film, as I pondered the film overnight, I was less and less satisfied by the ending, and while it was powerful, and (to use the word all the reviewers seem to love to use) devastating, I feel it was somewhat unnecessary. While it did provide a very strong point that I feel was important to the film, I think it was too rushed to really earn that point. Still, I give the film 4 cats”