ALL OF US STRANGERS

Andrew Scott’s performance in All of Us Strangers is worth every minute of the film. His portrayal of Adam, a lonely middle-aged man navigating romance and unresolved familial ties, is a masterclass in nuance and depth. Adam’s presence in every scene makes his casting pivotal, and director Andrew Haigh made an impeccable choice.

Loosely adapted from Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers, Haigh’s screenplay shifts Adam’s childhood to mirror his own. The scenes with Adam’s parents are filmed in Haigh’s childhood home in London. With only four characters speaking throughout the film, the focus is entirely on Adam (Andrew Scott), his romantic interest Harry (Paul Mescal), and his parents, Padre (Jamie Bell) and Mum (Claire Foy).

The first fifteen minutes are slow, establishing Adam’s solitary life as a writer working on a screenplay about his parents. He meets Harry, who seeks companionship, but their initial encounter ends quickly. Later, Adam returns to his childhood home, where his parents, strangely appearing as young as he is, seem unaware of his life. After their awkward interaction, Adam and Harry reconnect, and their attraction grows, setting the stage for emotional and romantic exploration.

The film takes a surreal turn when Adam reveals his parents died in a car accident when he was twelve. What follows defies reality, but that’s not the film’s focus. Instead, it’s about humanity. The relationships—Adam and Harry, Adam and his parents—are complex, yearning, and filled with the vulnerability of acceptance and fear of rejection. The film challenges you to embrace its emotional truth rather than its logic.

Avoid learning more before watching. The film’s twists unfold gradually, and discovering them without spoilers enhances the experience. The soundtrack is another highlight, with carefully chosen songs that underscore the emotional weight of key scenes. The film also emphasizes the necessity of physical touch—often fleeting but still crucial—showing that these temporary moments of skin-to-skin contact are as vital as long-lasting emotional bonds.

The film leaves many questions unanswered, yet that’s part of its beauty. Whether you interpret the contradictions or simply feel the emotional impact, All of Us Strangers is best experienced with your heart. Scott’s performance and Haigh’s direction make this easy to do.