The Bafta-nominated film, All of Us Strangers, stars Andrew Scott as a middle-aged man who returns to his childhood home and engages in imagined conversations with his deceased parents, portrayed by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell. His parents, who died in a car accident when he was a child, remain the same age they were at their time of death. The character, Adam, speculates on their reactions to his adult life, including his job, personality, and most importantly, his sexuality.
The film blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, creating a dream-like atmosphere that explores themes of grief, loss, identity, and isolation. Director Andrew Haigh explains that the film is about looking back at the past to understand how to move forward.
All of Us Strangers has received critical acclaim, earning four and five-star reviews since its premiere at the autumn film festivals. It has been nominated for six Bafta Film Awards, including outstanding British film and best director for Haigh.
The film is based on the 1987 novel Strangers by Taichi Yamada but differs in several ways. Unlike the original novel set in Tokyo, the film adaptation places Adam’s homosexuality at the forefront of the story. Adam develops a relationship with a younger man, Harry, played by Paul Mescal.
Haigh felt it was crucial to cast a gay actor like Scott in the lead role to understand the nuances of the character’s experiences. The film also touches on the societal attitudes towards homosexuality during the 1980s and the fear associated with coming out during the Aids crisis.
Adam’s parents initially react with confusion to his sexuality but gradually become more accepting. Haigh believes that if they had lived, they would have grown to understand and accept Adam’s sexuality, reflecting societal changes over time.
All of Us Strangers will be released in cinemas from Friday 26 January.
