ALL OF US STRANGERS tops Guardian’s 2024 list
The Guardian has picked its top films of 2024 and, Andrew Scott’s ALL OF US STRANGERS, tops the list! At the heart of Andrew Haigh’s moving drama lies an exploration of profound human experiences. The film artfully navigates the depths of loss and isolation while illuminating how human connection can serve as a beacon through life’s darkest moments.
The story centers on Adam (Andrew Scott), a solitary television writer in London. His life takes an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with Harry, an enigmatic neighbor. While their initial connection falters, fate brings them together again. Meanwhile, Adam experiences something extraordinary – visiting his childhood home, he encounters his parents, who died when he was twelve. Rather than questioning this impossible reunion, he embraces the opportunity to know them as an adult, while simultaneously opening himself to a deepening relationship with Harry.
Haigh crafts a narrative that defies easy categorization. Though it carries elements of both ghost story and time travel tale, it transcends these genres to become something more nuanced. The film maintains a delicate balance between stark realism and ethereal atmosphere, creating a dreamlike meditation on identity, possibility, and the nature of love. Despite its underlying themes of loss and grief, the film remains fundamentally hopeful.
The result is a haunting yet beautiful work that speaks to anyone who has experienced love or longing. It’s a rare piece of cinema that allows viewers to reflect deeply on their own lives while witnessing a story that feels both impossibly magical and profoundly real.
