Review Detail

The 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once is a breathtaking cinematic journey that defies the constraints of genre, narrative, and even time itself. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as the Daniels, this film is a mind-bending exploration of identity, family, love, and the multiverse. With a unique combination of science fiction, action, drama, and dark humor, it’s a cinematic spectacle that demands the audience’s attention, leaving an indelible mark long after the credits roll. 

At the heart of Everything Everywhere All at Once is Evelyn Wang, played with remarkable depth by Michelle Yeoh. Evelyn is an immigrant who owns a failing laundromat with her husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), and is trying to hold together the pieces of her family life while dealing with an IRS audit. Her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), is grappling with feelings of alienation, further complicating Evelyn’s already strained relationships. The film’s early moments establish this family dynamic, with Evelyn’s frustrations towards her daughter and husband, which later serve as emotional touchstones for the larger, cosmic events that unfold. 

The film quickly escalates into the unexpected when Evelyn is thrust into a chaotic journey through the multiverse, a concept that allows the story to navigate limitless possibilities and alternate realities. What starts as an IRS audit soon spirals into a frantic search for meaning as Evelyn’s journey leads her to other versions of herself. She encounters alternate Evelyns who are living different lives, from a glamorous movie star to a nihilistic, universe-destroying force. As Evelyn taps into these other versions of herself, the film explores the idea of infinite possibilities, choices, and the ramifications of the decisions we make. 

At its core, Everything Everywhere All at Once is about identity and the human condition. Evelyn’s journey through the multiverse becomes a metaphor for personal growth, self-acceptance, and understanding the complexity of relationships. The film wrestles with the question of who we are when we’re not confined by the roles we play or the choices we make. This idea is embodied in the character of Jobu Tupaki (Stephanie Hsu), an alternate version of Joy who exists across dimensions and has lost all sense of meaning in her existence. Jobu Tupaki is a being who can experience everything, everywhere, all at once, and as a result, she has become disconnected from the very essence of being. Jobu represents the crushing weight of infinite possibilities, where every choice leads to a new reality, making it impossible to find true purpose or fulfillment. 

The emotional arc of Evelyn’s relationship with her daughter is perhaps the most poignant and relatable aspect of the film. Evelyn’s struggle to understand and connect with Joy—who is coming to terms with her sexuality and identity—is framed within the broader narrative of Evelyn’s self-discovery across the multiverse. In one of the most heart-wrenching scenes, Evelyn and Joy confront their fractured relationship, and the film illustrates how our own emotional baggage and unresolved conflicts often hold us back from truly understanding the people we love. 

The film’s narrative is both complex and layered, moving seamlessly between its multiverse plot and its grounded family drama. The Daniels employ a frenetic, fast-paced editing style, incorporating surreal transitions, quick-cut montages, and striking visual effects that never overwhelm the emotional core of the story. The film’s action sequences are dynamic and inventive, showcasing the Daniels’ signature style of combining absurdity and poignancy. One of the standout moments occurs during a fight scene where characters engage in combat using random objects like a butt plug or a trophy, highlighting the film’s penchant for blending absurd humor with profound meaning. 

The visual design of Everything Everywhere All at Once is a marvel in itself. The multiverse is portrayed in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and surreal landscapes that shift and change with every new universe. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, using innovative techniques to represent the fluidity of time and space. The rapid shifts in visuals from the mundane to the fantastical are jarring, yet they never distract from the narrative. This visual style is not just for spectacle, but also serves as a metaphor for the chaos and confusion that Evelyn feels as she navigates through countless versions of herself. It’s as if the film is constantly challenging the audience to keep up with Evelyn’s emotional and intellectual journey. 

What makes Everything Everywhere All at Once truly unique is its ability to balance its wildly inventive narrative with deeply human moments. Despite its vast scope, the film remains grounded in the universal themes of love, connection, and understanding. The multiverse concept, rather than being a gimmick, is used as a vehicle to explore the complexities of life and identity. There is a poignant message about the importance of small, seemingly insignificant choices, and how they shape the course of our lives. The film reminds us that while the infinite possibilities of existence may seem overwhelming, it’s the connections we make with others and the love we share that give life meaning. 

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the performance of Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh, known for her roles in action films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Lady, delivers an exceptional performance that ranges from comedic to deeply emotional. Her portrayal of Evelyn captures the complexities of a woman who feels lost, both in her personal life and in the grand scheme of the universe. Yeoh brings an authenticity to her character that allows the audience to empathize with her, even when she’s experiencing the most outlandish of multiversal adventures. Her journey from confusion to self-realization is the emotional backbone of the film, and she carries the weight of the narrative with grace and conviction. 

Ke Huy Quan, who is best known for his roles in The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, also delivers a standout performance as Waymond. Quan’s portrayal of Waymond is heartwarming, and his character’s emotional depth adds another layer of complexity to the story. His unwavering optimism and belief in the goodness of others contrasts with Evelyn’s more cynical view of the world, and together they represent the film’s message of love and connection. Quan’s performance brings a sense of tenderness to the narrative, making it even more poignant when the story delves into the struggles of their relationship. 

Stephanie Hsu is also remarkable in her dual portrayal of Joy and Jobu Tupaki. Her performance is nuanced, capturing the emotional turmoil of a young woman trying to find herself in a world that doesn’t seem to understand her. As Jobu Tupaki, Hsu is both terrifying and tragic, embodying the existential crisis of a character who can feel and experience everything simultaneously. Her dynamic with Yeoh is one of the film’s emotional high points, offering a raw and heartfelt exploration of mother-daughter relationships. 

The soundtrack, composed by Son Lux, is equally integral to the film’s emotional impact. The music ranges from soaring orchestral arrangements to electronic beats, adding to the film’s surreal tone. The score perfectly complements the rapid shifts in narrative and visual style, providing a sense of coherence amid the chaos. 

In conclusion, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a cinematic triumph that pushes the boundaries of what film can achieve. It’s a film that manages to be both wildly imaginative and deeply human, blending absurdity with profound meaning. The Daniels have crafted a story that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, creating a tapestry of ideas that speaks to the complexities of existence and the choices we make. The performances, particularly from Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu, are unforgettable, and the film’s bold, innovative visuals make it an experience that is truly one of a kind. This is a film that demands to be seen, experienced, and reflected upon—Everything Everywhere All at Once is a masterclass in filmmaking that will leave audiences thinking long after they’ve left the theater.