In Andrew Haigh’s latest film, “All of Us Strangers,” he ventures into uncharted territory with a romantic fantasy loosely inspired by Taichi Yamada’s novel, “Strangers.” The movie tells the story of Adam (played by Andrew Scott), whose mundane life in a London tower block is disrupted when he has a chance encounter with his neighbor, Harry (Paul Mescal). As their relationship deepens, Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his deceased parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell) inexplicably appear alive and unchanged. Premiering to critical acclaim at Telluride, the film has since captivated audiences at festivals worldwide, including New York, London, and AFI.
Andrew Haigh’s longtime editor, Jonathan Alberts, recognized the departure from Haigh’s previous works when he first read the script. Alberts acknowledged, “It felt to me…like what you were trying to do was a little different than what you’ve done before…within the same Andrew Haigh kind of family, but certainly something that wasn’t exactly what you were comfortable with, maybe.” Haigh himself shared the apprehension he felt in deviating from his usual grounded reality-based storytelling style. The filmmaker admitted, “Usually, my films are pretty based within a grounded reality, and so trying to make something that was taking off from reality pretty quickly within the story was certainly a little bit nerve-wracking.”
Beyond the stylistic challenges, “All of Us Strangers” carries a deeply personal resonance for Haigh. Although not autobiographical, the film explores themes and emotions that resonate with the filmmaker on a personal level. He revealed, “People who know me know how much of me is within the film… You’re essentially saying, ‘If you don’t like this, I’m going to feel like it means you don’t like me, on a very basic, personal level.'” Haigh’s vulnerability and willingness to infuse his own experiences into the narrative have undoubtedly contributed to the film’s compelling and authentic portrayal of human emotions.
Following its triumph at the British Independent Film Awards, where it secured seven honors, including Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and Supporting Performance, “All of Us Strangers” garnered significant attention during awards season. Although the film did not win any accolades at the Gotham Awards, it received the most nominations. Looking ahead, the film is poised to make a mark at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, where it is nominated in three categories, including Best Film, Director, and Lead Performance.
As the release date for “All of Us Strangers” approaches, anticipation mounts among audiences eager to experience Haigh’s bold departure into the world of romantic fantasy. Searchlight Pictures has set a limited domestic release for the film, offering viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in this enigmatic and emotionally charged cinematic journey.
“All of Us Strangers” marks a significant shift in Andrew Haigh’s filmmaking style, as he fearlessly explores the realms of romantic fantasy and incorporates deeply personal elements into the narrative. With its critical acclaim and impressive record of awards nominations, the film promises to captivate and resonate with audiences seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.