All of Us Strangers

I don’t often write about films I watch, but let me assure you, I’ve seen many films and just as many TV shows. Music and movies, that’s kind of my thing. But, lately I noticed that I am hardly affected by them anymore. Most of them aren’t emotionally challenging me anymore. Well, that changed. Last night, I watched the film All of Us Strangers. It’s a British film set in London and in a suburb, and it plays in the late 80s and in the present. The director was Andrew Haigh and it was in late theatres in 2023. The main cast, the only cast, really, are Andrew Scott as Adam, Paul Mescal as Harry, Jamie Bell as Dad and Claire Foy as Mum.

It’s a film about grief and loss and mostly about loneliness. Almost claustrophobic at times, you can relate to Adam’s sorrows and his inner turmoils.

One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam (Andrew Scott) has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal), which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam is preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the suburban town where he grew up, and the childhood home where his parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell), appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before. (Plot summary from IMDB)

I loved the film, and I hated it. I cried (sobbed) the last 30 minutes and after the end credits had finished, I continued. Too relatable were Adam’s feelings. And too inevitable was the ending of the film too. I felt deeply moved. Something that hasn’t happened in a long time. Now, there is not too much I can say about the film without spoilers, but it is filled with 80s music. Two songs that feature prominently are Frankie Goes to Hollywood – The Power of Love and Pet Shop Boys – Always on my Mind.

It’s rare that a movie gets stuck behind my eyes and in my mind for such a long time after watching it. The pace is slow, there is an element of fantasy, but the main themes: loneliness, love, and grief are treated beautifully. The cinematography is exquisite and the intimacy between Adam and Harry is tastefully narrated without ever getting vulgar, despite the sex scenes (or so I think). The acting of all of the cast was superb, but the film was solely carried on Andrew Scott’s shoulders. He brought this character – Adam, to life. I suffered with him, was hopeful with him, sang with him, and I cried with him too.

As I said, I was deeply affected and that’s why I felt the need to write about it. All of Us Strangers is a reminder of the impact that art can have on our lives, and the importance of seeking out those rare cinematic gems that touch our souls and leave us forever changed.Well, maybe not forever, but the next few days for sure.

What was that one film that left an indelible mark on you?