The mysterious and haunting film “All of Us Strangers,” loosely inspired by Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel “Strangers,” has arrived, and it might just be the vehicle that propels Andrew Scott into the Oscar race as a leading man.
In the film, Scott portrays Adam, a screenwriter whose life takes a surreal turn after an encounter with his neighbor, Harry, played by Paul Mescal. Adam finds himself inexplicably drawn back to his childhood home, where he discovers that his long-deceased parents, portrayed by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell, are inexplicably alive and have not aged in 30 years.
Andrew Scott, known for his Emmy-nominated role in “Black Mirror” and his iconic turn as the “hot priest” in “Fleabag,” delivers a mesmerizing performance. He skillfully conveys the profound pain of losing parents while wrestling with the lingering question of whether they would approve of him. The film’s themes of loss and longing resonate deeply, particularly for those who have experienced a similar journey. Scott’s portrayal is bound to capture the attention of the Actors Branch, making him a strong contender for an Oscar nomination.
Paul Mescal, who rose to fame with his breakout role in the Hulu series “Normal People,” continues his ascent in the film industry. His performances in “The Lost Daughter” and “Aftersun” earned him his first Oscar nomination for best actor. Mescal’s character in “Strangers” evokes a unique charm, akin to a reinvented version of the manic pixie dream guy. This film, along with his role in Garth Davis’ “Foe” opposite Saoirse Ronan, positions Mescal as a rising star in the awards circuit.
Jamie Bell, a seasoned actor with roles like “Billy Elliot” and “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” under his belt, delivers a poignant scene that showcases his best acting in years. Claire Foy, known for her outstanding work in projects like “First Man” and “Women Talking,” shines in a challenging role, reaffirming her status as a remarkable and dependable performer.
Writer and director Andrew Haigh, celebrated for his indie gems like “Weekend” and “45 Years,” brings his unique storytelling prowess to “All of Us Strangers.” The film’s subtle and moving depiction of gay romance and sexuality could potentially make it a contender for adapted screenplay if executed well in the awards campaign.
With its beautiful cinematography by Jamie D. Ramsay, featuring captivating purple hues and soft camera movements, the film is visually striking and could catch the eye of cinematography experts in the industry.
While already earning critical acclaim, “All of Us Strangers” now faces the exciting challenge of captivating Academy voters and making its mark at the Oscars. It’s a film that deserves recognition for its haunting narrative and stellar performances, and hopefully, the Academy won’t shy away from embracing its frank portrayal of love and longing.