Everything Everywhere All at Once - Review
Everything Everywhere All at Once: A Multiversal Masterpiece of Chaos and Heart
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by formulaic blockbusters and predictable narratives, along came Everything Everywhere All at Once, a film that shattered expectations and redefined the boundaries of genre. Released in March 2022, this audacious and emotionally resonant sci-fi action-adventure isn't just a movie; it's an experience, a sensory overload, and a profound meditation on family, identity, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride through the multiverse and into the heart of what it means to be human.
Plot: A Whirlwind of Existential Proportions
The film plunges us into the chaotic life of Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a Chinese-American laundromat owner struggling to keep her business afloat, navigate a strained relationship with her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu), and manage her aging, traditional father Gong Gong (James Hong), who is visiting from China. On top of that, she's facing an IRS audit that could ruin everything. Just when things seem to be at their lowest point, Evelyn is thrust into an unimaginable adventure. She discovers she is the key to saving the multiverse from a powerful being named Jobu Tupaki, who threatens to unravel all of reality.
To defeat Jobu Tupaki, Evelyn must learn to "verse-jump," accessing the skills, memories, and emotions of her alternate selves from countless parallel universes. These alternate lives range from glamorous movie stars and skilled martial artists to inanimate objects like rocks and even… a piñata. As Evelyn hops between realities, she grapples with the choices she's made in her life, the regrets she harbors, and the love she desperately tries to hold onto. The narrative is a masterclass in controlled chaos, seamlessly weaving together disparate plot threads into a cohesive and ultimately deeply moving story.
Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Endearing
Everything Everywhere All at Once shines brightest in its character development. Each character, even those seemingly relegated to supporting roles, is given depth and nuance that makes them feel incredibly real.
Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh)
Evelyn is the heart and soul of the film. She's a flawed, often exasperating character, burdened by her own anxieties and regrets. She's a mother struggling to understand her daughter, a wife struggling to connect with her husband, and a daughter struggling to meet her father's expectations. Yeoh's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, showcasing her incredible range as an actress. She seamlessly transitions from comedic absurdity to heart-wrenching vulnerability, making Evelyn a character you root for even when you want to shake her.
Joy Wang / Jobu Tupaki (Stephanie Hsu)
Joy, Evelyn's daughter, is a complex and compelling character grappling with her identity and sexuality. Her relationship with her mother is strained by cultural differences and Evelyn's inability to fully accept Joy for who she is. As Jobu Tupaki, she embodies nihilism and the overwhelming sense of meaninglessness that comes from experiencing everything all at once. Hsu delivers a tour-de-force performance, portraying both Joy's vulnerability and Jobu Tupaki's terrifying power with equal conviction.
Waymond Wang (Ke Huy Quan)
Waymond, Evelyn's seemingly meek and docile husband, is far more than meets the eye. He exists in multiple versions across the multiverse, some of whom are powerful warriors fighting to save reality. Quan's performance is a revelation, showcasing his comedic timing, his martial arts prowess, and his deep emotional range. He is the emotional anchor of the film, reminding Evelyn (and the audience) of the importance of kindness and connection.
Gong Gong (James Hong)
Gong Gong, Evelyn's father, represents the weight of tradition and the expectations placed upon her. Hong brings a gravitas and subtle humor to the role, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.
Deirdre Beaubeirdre (Jamie Lee Curtis)
Curtis' portrayal of Deirdre, the stern and unforgiving IRS inspector, is both hilarious and surprisingly sympathetic. She embodies the bureaucratic drudgery and the often-unseen humanity of those who enforce the rules.
Direction: Daniels' Visionary Brilliance
The directing duo known as Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) have crafted a truly visionary film. Their bold and inventive approach to filmmaking is evident in every frame. They seamlessly blend genres, tones, and visual styles, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Their ability to handle complex themes with both humor and sensitivity is a testament to their skill as storytellers.
Daniels' direction is characterized by its relentless energy and its willingness to take risks. They are not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen, creating a film that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. Their use of practical effects, creative editing, and innovative camera work adds to the film's unique and quirky charm.
Cinematography: A Visual Feast
The cinematography of Everything Everywhere All at Once, helmed by Larkin Seiple, is a visual feast. The film is bursting with vibrant colors, dynamic camera movements, and inventive visual effects. Seiple expertly captures the chaos and beauty of the multiverse, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. The film's use of different aspect ratios and visual styles further enhances its sense of disorientation and wonder.
The film's visual effects are particularly impressive, seamlessly blending practical and digital elements to create a believable and often surreal world. The action sequences are expertly choreographed and visually exciting, showcasing the characters' martial arts skills and their ability to manipulate the laws of physics. The film's visual language is both playful and profound, reflecting the film's themes of chaos, connection, and the infinite possibilities of existence.
Performances: A Showcase of Talent
The performances in Everything Everywhere All at Once are uniformly excellent. Michelle Yeoh delivers a career-defining performance as Evelyn, showcasing her incredible range as an actress. Stephanie Hsu is equally impressive as Joy/Jobu Tupaki, capturing both the character's vulnerability and her terrifying power. Ke Huy Quan's performance is a revelation, reminding audiences of his talent and versatility. James Hong and Jamie Lee Curtis also deliver memorable performances, adding depth and humor to the film's already rich tapestry of characters.
The film's success is due in no small part to the chemistry between the actors. Yeoh, Hsu, and Quan share a palpable connection, making their characters' relationships feel real and believable. The actors' commitment to their roles and their willingness to embrace the film's absurdity is evident in every scene.
Themes and Messages: A Profound Exploration of Humanity
Beneath its chaotic surface, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a film with profound themes and messages. The film explores the complexities of family relationships, the challenges of cultural identity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe. It grapples with themes of regret, forgiveness, and the importance of kindness and connection.
One of the film's central themes is the importance of empathy. Evelyn learns to see the world through her daughter's eyes and to understand the pain and frustration that Joy is experiencing. She also learns to appreciate the love and support of her husband, Waymond. The film suggests that empathy is the key to overcoming division and building bridges between people.
Another key theme is the power of choice. Evelyn is confronted with the infinite possibilities of her life and the choices she has made along the way. She learns that even seemingly small choices can have a profound impact on her life and the lives of others. The film encourages viewers to be mindful of their choices and to choose kindness, compassion, and connection over anger, resentment, and isolation.
The film also explores the concept of nihilism and the overwhelming sense of meaninglessness that can come from experiencing everything all at once. Jobu Tupaki represents this nihilistic worldview, believing that nothing matters and that everything is ultimately pointless. However, the film ultimately rejects nihilism, arguing that even in a chaotic and meaningless universe, there is still value in love, connection, and human experience.
Comparisons: A Unique Blend of Influences
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a difficult film to categorize. It draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including science fiction, action, comedy, and drama. It has been compared to films like The Matrix, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Being John Malkovich, but it ultimately carves out its own unique space in the cinematic landscape.
The film's use of multiverse storytelling is reminiscent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it is far more ambitious and experimental. The Daniels' previous work, such as the film Swiss Army Man, showcases their unique brand of absurdist humor and their willingness to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Everything Everywhere All at Once represents a culmination of their artistic vision, blending their signature style with a more mature and emotionally resonant narrative.
Michelle Yeoh's performance also draws parallels to her previous work in martial arts films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but Everything Everywhere All at Once allows her to showcase a wider range of emotions and comedic talent.
Positive Aspects: A Triumph of Imagination and Heart
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a triumph on many levels. Its originality, its ambition, and its emotional resonance make it a truly special film. The direction is visionary, the cinematography is stunning, the performances are exceptional, and the themes are profound. The film is a wild and exhilarating ride from start to finish, leaving audiences both entertained and deeply moved. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and a reminder that cinema can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying.
Constructive Criticism: A Few Minor Quibbles
While Everything Everywhere All at Once is a remarkable film, it is not without its flaws. The film's breakneck pace and its constant barrage of visual information can be overwhelming at times. Some viewers may find the film's absurdist humor to be off-putting or its themes to be too heavy-handed. The film's ending, while emotionally satisfying, may feel somewhat rushed or contrived to some.
Also, the sheer volume of ideas and concepts thrown at the audience can be exhausting. There are moments where the film seems to be trying to do too much, which can detract from the emotional impact of the story. A little more restraint in certain areas might have made the film even more powerful.
Conclusion: A Must-See Cinematic Experience
Despite its minor flaws, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a must-see cinematic experience. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on your own life, your relationships, and the infinite possibilities of existence. It is a bold, inventive, and emotionally resonant film that deserves all the accolades it has received. The Daniels have created a true masterpiece, a film that redefines the boundaries of genre and reminds us of the power of cinema to connect us, to challenge us, and to inspire us.