Review of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022): No matter what, I still want to be here with you (7 Oscars)

 

"Everything Everywhere All at Once," a 2022 American film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, is a unique blend of various genres, including absurdist fiction, comedy-drama, surreal comedy, science fiction, fantasy, martial arts, and animation. The film stars Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant who discovers the ability to connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse​​.

The movie was initially conceptualised in 2010 and underwent significant evolution before its release. The directors drew inspiration from diverse sources, such as Hong Kong film director Wong Kar-wai, the children's book "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble," and the video game "Everything." The soundtrack, featuring compositions by Son Lux with collaborations from various artists, complements the film's exploration of philosophical themes like existentialism, nihilism, surrealism, and absurdism, as well as neurodivergence, depression, generational trauma, and Asian American identity​​.

Learning Points and Significance

Embracing Positivity in the Face of Negativity: 

The film emphasises the importance of choosing positivity and kindness, even in challenging circumstances. This is highlighted through Evelyn's journey, where she learns to overcome her negative emotions and past traumas, and instead focuses on building positive relationships with her family members.

Impact of Generational Trauma:

The narrative explores how Evelyn's difficult relationship with her father affects her interactions with her own family. It demonstrates how unresolved issues and traumas can be passed down through generations, affecting parent-child dynamics​.

Nihilism and the Search for Meaning:

The film delves into the theme of nihilism, particularly through the symbolism of the "Everything Bagel." This represents the overwhelming nature of existence and the struggle to find meaning in life. The story ultimately rejects nihilism, advocating for the significance of individual experiences and relationships​.

Yin and Yang - Balance of Opposites:

The film incorporates the Chinese concept of yin and yang, highlighting the importance of balance between opposing forces in life. This is seen in the contrast between Evelyn’s perceived strength and Waymond’s apparent weakness, eventually leading to the realisation that vulnerability and openness can be a source of true strength​.

Value of Diverse Experiences:

The movie suggests that a wide range of skills and experiences, even those that seem unsuccessful, can be valuable. Evelyn's many attempted careers and hobbies across different universes contribute to her ultimate success in resolving the crisis, emphasising that diverse experiences enrich one's life​ (Lambert, 2022).

Ending Explained

In the climax, Evelyn rejects the nihilism represented by the "Everything Bagel" and chooses to embrace life’s complexities with empathy and kindness. This decision leads to the healing of her relationships with her family members. The ending signifies Evelyn's acceptance of her daughter's identity, reconciliation with her husband, and a resolution to her familial conflicts. It concludes with Evelyn grounding herself in her own universe, having learned to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of her own life​​ (Lambert, 2022).

Why It Is So Well-Made and Acclaimed

"Everything Everywhere All at Once" excels due to its innovative storytelling, blending multiple genres to create a unique cinematic experience. The film's deep exploration of universal themes, combined with exceptional performances, particularly from Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis, contributed to its acclaim. Its ability to balance fantastical elements with emotionally resonant narratives resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to its success at the Oscars, where it won seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director.

"In another life, I would have really liked, just doing laundry and taxes with you"

Ke Huy Quan's Line to Michelle Yeoh:

This scene is profoundly emotional because it encapsulates the essence of love and companionship in its simplest form. Ke Huy Quan's character expresses a deep, unconditional love for Michelle Yeoh's character, valuing ordinary moments like doing laundry and taxes over grand adventures or dramatic gestures. It's a reminder of the beauty in everyday life and the deep connection that can exist in sharing these mundane moments with someone you love. This resonates with audiences as it highlights a universal truth about love and relationships, making it an impactful and memorable scene.

"No matter what, I still want to be here with you"

Michelle Yeoh's Line to Her Daughter:

This scene is emotionally charged because it represents a moment of unconditional love and acceptance from a parent to their child. Michelle Yeoh's character, after a tumultuous journey through various universes and confronting her own failures, comes to a profound realisation about the importance of her relationship with her daughter. Her declaration of wanting to be with her daughter, regardless of the circumstances, is a powerful expression of maternal love and commitment. It resonates with audiences as it speaks to the deep bond between parents and children, often marked by struggles but underscored by unwavering love and support. This recognition and reaffirmation of love and presence, despite the complexities of their relationship, is what makes this scene particularly moving and relatable.

To close, this movie is absolutely beautiful. I hope all of you watch it, if you still haven't.

P.S. Lee Dong-Jin (1968), the most renowned movie critic in South Korea rated this movie 5 stars/5, which is very rare

References:

Lambert, C. (2022). Everything Everywhere All At Once | The Definitive Explanation. Colossus.
https://filmcolossus.com/everything-everywhere-explained-meaning

※ Important: The content of this post is mostly taken from ChatGPT, and it had been arranged in a nice format by me. You should be fact checking these given points/examples in this post should you be using them for grading purposes. Thank you.