In the realm of upcoming films, “All of Us Strangers” is generating significant buzz, and according to director Andrew Haigh, the camaraderie between stars Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott was palpable from the moment they met on set.
Describing their connection, Haigh shared in an interview with Vanity Fair, “There was chemistry between the two of them literally the second I saw them together.” The chemistry was undoubtedly a crucial ingredient in bringing the film’s narrative to life. Haigh also praised the two actors for their fearless performances, noting that they fully understood the importance of their scenes in the story.
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Based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel “Strangers,” “All of Us Strangers” revolves around screenwriter Adam, portrayed by Andrew Scott. After an encounter with his neighbor Harry, played by Paul Mescal, Adam finds himself inexplicably drawn back into his childhood home, where his supposedly deceased parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell) are strangely unchanged after 30 years.
Haigh, known for his work on the acclaimed queer indie film “Weekend” and his involvement in HBO‘s “Looking,” emphasized that the scenes in “All of Us Strangers” have a unique approach compared to his previous work. He expressed a desire to capture the subjective experience of connection and interaction. He wanted the audience to feel the nuances of emotion, excitement, and the impact of the characters’ interactions.
While the film is not autobiographical, Haigh drew on his own experiences growing up gay in the 1980s to infuse authenticity into the narrative. This authenticity was particularly important in depicting Adam’s journey of coming out to his parents. To ensure that the portrayal resonated genuinely, Haigh was determined to cast a gay actor in the role of Adam.
Reflecting on his casting choice, Haigh explained, “I’m not one of those people who thinks you have to cast a queer actor in a queer role, but for this role, I did want to because I was trying to unpick some nuances of a certain generation of gay people.” The director sought an actor who could understand and engage in the nuances of the character and the period. Andrew Scott, with his deep understanding of the subject matter, proved to be a perfect fit.
“All of Us Strangers” is set to premiere at the New York Film Festival before its theatrical release on December 22 by Searchlight Pictures. With its intriguing premise, stellar cast, and the promise of heartfelt and authentic storytelling, the film is poised to capture the attention and hearts of audiences as it offers a unique perspective on love, time, and the intricacies of human connection.