Imagine being the worst possible version of yourself. The one who drops all their hobbies, runs a withering business, marries a pushover, disappoints your parents, and loses respect and connection to your only child. The lost opportunities of never-ending poor decisions, effortless living, and half measured actions hang above your meaningless life of consumption, production, and fighting—endless depressing repetition. 

Suddenly, your idiot husband pulls you into an IRS janitor closet before a life-destroying tax audit meeting. He explains an interdimensional crisis is unfolding and the fate of the multiverse hangs in the balance. It is up to your pathetic self to save it. 

That is the tantalizing impetus of the audacious journey Everything Everywhere all at Once sets us on. The picture is written and directed by the Dynamic Daniel Duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The duo is most known for their ridiculous film, Swiss Army Man, which had the audience of Sundance so uncomfortable that many walked out. 

The duo proudly carries their trademark audacity and fantasticalness into this film, but under a new, often contradictory, tune of familial values, individualistic desires, and  nihilistic dejection.

The story follows the worst possible version of our protagonist, Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), and her family on an interdimensional journey. It unfolds upon us masterfully, perfectly evoking our feelings and more importantly commanding our beliefs. The Daniel Duo virtuously directs the audience just as well as they do the film.

While surely intentional, the film is told at such a visceral pace. The story jumps from universe to universe with a twist at every turn. I would not recommend watching this if you are easily queasy or have a mild headache prior. Nonetheless, when the film does slow down nothing hits harder.

A particular standout scene is the confrontation between Eveyln and her husband. This argument dives deep into our hearts and souls just as masterfully as Wong Kar Wai. You will know the scene when you see it: “I, too, consider myself a fighter.”

Describing the cinematography of this picture would be a pointless task. It so perfectly adapts to the purpose of every scene. While at some points being too commercial and Hollywood for me, it still cuts through leaving us with an immersive visual experience. 

This heavy film was also absolutely hilarious. I have never laughed harder than I have at a side gag that I did at their bit “Racoonatuoule”.Please watch this movie.

As a multiverse film, it sweeps the competition easily. While Doctor Strange and the multiverse of madness is set to release soon, I find it hard that the multiverse could be explored in a more humane and entertaining way as this one. 

This picture asks you a thousand questions and answers all of them, and none of them at the same time. It is the true nature of the multiverse.The whole thematic purpose is wild and extremely contradictory to itself. You can interpret however you want. In a world with infinite possibilities and scenarios everything and nothing matters. Do whatever you want.