What a stunning 7 Oscar win for the 2022 sci-fi film Everything everywhere all at once! The movie has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of genres and its visually stunning depiction of multiple dimensions and timelines. It is an emotional roller coaster ride through different space and time travelling in alternate universes which kind of reminds Marvel movies particularly Multiverse of Madness but what makes this movie so special is its cast and a beautifully knit alternate stories happening altogether and the brilliant portrayal of different shades in characters in each reality.
The cast of “Everything Everywhere All At Once” gave outstanding performances, bringing a complex and multilayered story to life. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis delivered exceptional performances, with Yeoh bringing depth and power, Ke Huy Quan showing an emotional and loyal side of his character, Hsu portraying a sense of vulnerability and strength, and Curtis adding a charisma to her role. The supporting cast also delivered strong performances, each bringing their own unique energy and personality to the film.
Directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who are collectively known as “Daniels”. The duo is best known for their work on the critically acclaimed film “Swiss Army Man” and their music video collaborations with artists such as Foster the People and The Shins. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” marks their first foray into science fiction filmmaking and has been widely praised for its inventive visuals, ambitious storytelling, and emotional depth.
Details
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Action, Comedy
Cast:
- Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang
- Stephanie Hsu as Joy Wang, Jobu Tupaki
- Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang
- James Hong as Gong Gong
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdra
- Jenny Slate as Debbie the Dog Mom
- Harry Shum Jr. as Chad
Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Release date Theater: Apr 8, 2022
Release Date (Streaming):Jun 7, 2022
Where to Watch: Theaters, Prime Video, Paramount, Vudu
Runtime: 2h 12m
Rating : R
Plot Summary
Evelyn Wang(Yeoh) and her husband Waymond(Quan) own a struggling laundromat, which is being audited by the IRS on the eve of the Chinese New Year. To add to the stress, Evelyn’s father Gong Gong has just arrived from China and is staying with them. While preparing for the IRS meeting, Waymond attempts to serve Evelyn divorce papers, but she doesn’t notice. Evelyn’s daughter Joy and her girlfriend Becky arrive to help with the language barrier at the meeting, but Evelyn struggles to accept their relationship and introduces Becky to Gong Gong as Joy’s “good friend,” causing a rift. Later, in the elevator at the IRS building, Waymond’s personality changes when he is taken over by a version of himself from the “Alpha Universe”(alternate universe), through a headset that also shows Evelyn important moments from her life. Evelyn, wearing a headset, sees pivotal moments from her life, including her father’s disappointment at having a daughter, meeting Waymond, facing family rejection for marrying him, buying the laundromat, and having Joy(her daughter).
Alpha Waymond(Alternate Universe’ Waymond) warns Evelyn that every decision spawns new parallel universes and that they may be at risk. He gives her a set of instructions on the back of their divorce papers. During their meeting with IRS Inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdra(Curtis), Evelyn follows Alpha Waymond’s directions, transports herself to a janitor closet, and activates the green button on her headset. Alpha Waymond tells her that she is an important figure in his universe, but before he can finish, Evil Deidre kills him. When they return to the real world, Deirdre offers them another chance to submit their receipts by 6pm, but Evelyn, worried about another attack, hits her. She then discovers that the instructions were written on the back of the divorce papers Waymond had already completed.
Alpha Waymond warns Evelyn that they are being pursued by Jobu Tupaki, a powerful and unstable verse-jumper. He explains that verse-jumpers can access alternate universe versions of themselves by doing something statistically improbable. When attacked by Evil Deirdre, Evelyn jumps to a universe where she’s a kung fu master. However, Jobu, who is revealed to be Alpha Joy(Alternate universe’s Joy), attacks and Alpha Waymond is knocked out. Jobu shows Evelyn a black hole that could destroy the multiverse.
Alpha Gong Gong(Alternate universe Gong) wants to kill Evelyn to prevent her mind from fracturing further, but she refuses and instead gains power to defeat Jobu. Gong Gong calls other verse-jumpers to kill Evelyn, but she defeats them with skills and memories from her multiverse selves. Sadly, Jobu kills Alpha Waymond and Evelyn’s mind fractures, causing her to die and splinter across multiple universes. In these universes, she experiences bizarre situations such as having hot dog fingers and dating Deirdre.
Jobu reveals to Evelyn that she created the “everything bagel” to destroy herself because she’s tired of never being present in any one universe. Evelyn accepts Jobu’s nihilistic view that “nothing matters” and becomes cruel in other universes, even hurting Waymond. However, Waymond’s unwavering kindness and loyalty inspire Evelyn to fight differently. She defeats Jobu’s minions by helping them find happiness, confronts Gong Gong about his disappointment, and finally reaches Jobu. Though initially rejecting Evelyn’s offer to help, Jobu ultimately returns to embrace her. In the end, Evelyn chooses to be with Joy and promises to always stand by her side.
As they gear up to return to the IRS Office in the Tax-Universe, the family dynamics are evidently better. In a tender moment, Evelyn and Waymond share a kiss in the lobby, rekindling their romance. Deirdre acknowledges their efforts and accomplishments but warns them that there is still much work to be done before they can emerge victorious. For an instant, Evelyn feels her mind drifting towards her other multiverse versions, but she quickly snaps back to reality and grounds herself in her own universe.
Critical Analysis
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a critically acclaimed science fiction film that tells the story of a woman who discovers parallel universes and embarks on a journey to save her family and the multiverse. However, the movie needs multiple viewings for some people to understand as few critics have noted that the complex plot can be difficult to follow, and the blend of genres and styles may feel disjointed. The film’s visual effects are impressive, but they can also feel overwhelming, and the pacing could be tighter. Additionally, the film’s philosophical themes may not resonate with everyone. While the film has received critical praise, it may not be for everyone due to its challenging elements.
Overall, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling, stunning visual effects, and talented cast. It’s a film that offers both spectacle and substance, and is definitely worth checking out.
Best Line
Waymond Wang: Even though you have broken my heart yet again, I wanted to say, in another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.
Evelyn Wang: Of all the places I could be, I just want to be here with you.
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