In a world where multiverse is a concept overly used buy comic books and movies alike, Everything Everywhere All at Once stands alone. It is a story of a mother and her daughter at its core. With minimal locations and clever practical effects, the film takes us through multiple universes, seamlessly.
Evelyn Quan(Michelle Yeoh) is a Chinese-American woman who owns a laundry along with her husband. The laundry is under the inspection of the IRS. The movie begins with the couple in front of their IRS officer asking for another extension. From the scene in the IRS building, the story shifts to a dramatic sci-fi adventure movie, and the lead with super martial arts abilities.
The main story is divided into three parts.
- Part One: Everything
- Part Two: Everywhere
- Part Three: All at once
The parts become more fantastic and magical than the last. The worlds all revolve around Evelyn and her daughter, Joy(Stephanie Hsu) where the power of love overcomes all conflicts. As the story progresses, we meet her husband Waymond, from multiple universes, and go deeper into the problems in their relationship. Both the actors in the lead roles have given an incredible performance in terms of their acting and stunts. The action choreography is very impressive and done with precision. The use of VFX does not dominate the film but elevates it to its peak. The director due has impressed their audience with their work in Swiss Army Man and several music videos. The Daniels has given us a beautiful treat to the eyes, laced with deep poignant thoughts of nihilism and posing questions that explore the meaning of life.
“We’re always conscious of what every little weird thing we do, how that’s going to affect the audience”
Daniel Kwan
With absurdist comedy and surrealist imagery weaves a super weird and entertaining movie that moves the audience to tears at the end. The directors are well aware of their offbeat approach, as said in an interview with mashable which assures an experience never seen before.
Everything everywhere strikes a chord for the audience and makes us think about our relationships with our family. As the film concludes, we are left feeling a mix of emotions but ultimately feeling content with the happy ending.
Aditya Jagath 