When you think of ghosts in movies, what images come to mind? Scary ghouls spewing blood from their eyes? Weird little boys telling their therapists they see dead people? Creepy twins holding hands in a hallway while they beg you to come play with them?
No, like any God-fearing American, you think of Patrick Swayze sidling up behind Demi to make some erotic pottery. Why wouldn’t you? Nothing captures the complexity, mystery, and dark beauty of the afterlife better than an impromptu, sex-filled art session with your soon-to-be-murdered boyfriend.
Well, I’m here to tell you, there is a better way to tell a ghost story, and it doesn’t have to be scary, creepy, or craft-filled. It can actually be done quite beautifully.
“All of Us Strangers” (watch trailer) begins with Adam, a lonely British screenwriter screenwriter, meeting his drunk neighbor Harry one night, the latter unsuccessful flirting with Adam. The next day, after having perused old family photos, Adam visits his unoccupied childhood home and finds his parents, who died in a car accident when he was twelve, giddily welcoming him in to reconnect and learn about their son’s life. Over the course of the following days, Adam continues to visit his parents, the experience of catching them up on his life, including coming out to them, slowly giving him perspective on life. Simultaneously, Adam develops an intense relationship with a similarly scarred Harry, finding in each other something both familiar and new. As both relationships grow, they become tied together and, eventually, unravel in frustrating fashion for a newly open Adam.
Director Andrew Haigh sets a hauntingly beautiful tone throughout the entire film, easing viewers into Adam’s life slowly, then increasingly infusing emotion and energy as the relationships in his life — new and old — start to take shape. Haigh uses sparse casting, music, warm color, and a wonderful use of light and darkness to compliment wonderfully lean dialogue and emotive performances.
Andrew Scott is absolutely perfect as Adam, using the most subtle of voice inflections and facial expressions to express the powerful loneliness, anguish, and burgeoning hope buried deep down inside. Jamie Bell and Claire Foy are equally as brilliant as Adam’s deceased parents, conveying an unquestionable love for their son, as well as confusion, guilt, and concern. The family’s scenes together are the highlight of the film, and if your eyes have remained dry by the end of the film, there is a better-than-average chance that you are as dead inside.
“All of Us Strangers” is heartbreaking, beautiful, and character-driven film-making at its best, with an ending that may not please everyone, but once experienced, couldn’t have been done any other way. It’s one of those rare films that leaves an imprint on your brain long after you leave the theater, and you’re a happier chap for it.
Stink Whispers 