In the world of cinema, there are films that touch our hearts, and then there are those that go beyond, delving into the profound complexities of human emotion and identity. “All of Us Strangers,” the critically-acclaimed upcoming romance film, falls into the latter category. Directed by an extraordinary team, this movie has already garnered nine awards, even before gracing UK cinemas on January 26.
The film’s storyline revolves around two lonely lovers in London, portrayed by the talented Paul Mescal and the renowned Andrew Scott, known for his iconic role as the “Hot priest” in “Fleabag.” Scott plays Adam, a depressed writer who crosses paths with Harry, portrayed by Mescal, one of the few other residents in their London tower block.
As Adam embarks on a journey back to his childhood home in Kent, he is confronted with an astonishing revelation—his parents, played by Jamie Bell and Claire Foy, seem to still be living there, despite their tragic demise during his youth. This revelation forces Adam to confront his past, leading to emotional moments where he finally comes out to his parents and acknowledges the need to let them go.
However, amidst this poignant exploration of love and identity, “All of Us Strangers” does not shy away from portraying passionate and intimate scenes between its two male leads. In one particularly noteworthy moment, Paul Mescal’s character is depicted licking semen off of Andrew Scott’s chest.
During a conversation with actress Natalie Portman as part of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Paul Mescal expressed the profound privilege of playing Andrew Scott’s lover in the film. He lauded Scott’s ability to embody love, both as an actor and as a person, describing their collaboration as one of the greatest honors of his career.
Natalie Portman, while praising the film for its portrayal of “hot” and “tender” queer sex on screen, questioned why such depictions are still relatively rare in mainstream cinema. Mescal responded by emphasizing the importance of portraying sex in film as not only sensual but also healing—a representation that fosters understanding and acceptance.
As “All of Us Strangers” prepares to captivate audiences, both Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal are looking ahead to their next ventures. Mescal is set to star alongside Pedro Pascal in “Gladiator 2,” while Scott is venturing into Netflix territory with “Ripley,” a TV series based on the psychological thriller novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
“All of Us Strangers” promises to be a cinematic masterpiece that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also challenges societal norms, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting cinematic landscape. Don’t miss its release in the US on December 22 and in the UK on January 26.