Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (known as the Daniels), is a genre-defying film that blends science fiction, action, and comedy with profound philosophical and emotional depth. Set in 2022, the film tells the story of Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese-American woman who unexpectedly becomes the key to saving the multiverse. Through its imaginative narrative, the film explores themes of family, identity, existentialism, and the infinite possibilities that exist in each person's life.
The film stands out for its unique blend of chaotic action and heartfelt storytelling, offering a surreal yet grounded exploration of human relationships and purpose. With its bold visual style, frenetic pace and emotionally resonant performances, Everything Everywhere All at Once has been hailed as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking films of recent years.
Evelyn Wang, played by Michelle Yeoh, runs a struggling laundromat with her husband, Waymond, while trying to navigate her strained relationship with her daughter, Joy, and her demanding father, Gong Gong. When Evelyn is audited by the IRS, she is suddenly thrust into a multiverse-spanning adventure when a version of Waymond from another universe warns her that she must stop a powerful force that threatens to destroy everything. The force, known as Jobu Tupaki, turns out to be another version of Joy, who has become disillusioned with the infinite possibilities of the multiverse.
Evelyn is told that because of her seemingly limitless potential, she is the only version of herself in all the universes that can defeat Jobu. As Evelyn learns to access the skills and abilities of her alternate selves, she confronts the choices she has made in her life, her relationships with her family, and the overwhelming chaos of existence. Through this journey, Evelyn ultimately discovers that the key to saving the multiverse lies not in fighting, but in understanding, acceptance, and love.
At the heart of Everything Everywhere All at Once is the concept of the multiverse, which serves as a metaphor for the infinite possibilities that exist within each individual's life. The film explores the idea that every choice a person makes creates a new path, leading to a different version of themselves in another universe. For Evelyn, the multiverse represents both the overwhelming burden of untapped potential and the regret of missed opportunities.
Throughout the film, Evelyn grapples with the idea that she could have been more-more successful, more fulfilled, more loving. But the film ultimately suggests that while it's natural to wonder about the paths not taken, the true value lies in embracing the present and accepting yourself as you are. The multiverse is not just a backdrop for the action, but a symbol of the human struggle with identity, purpose, and self-worth.
The emotional core of the film is rooted in the relationships between Evelyn, her daughter Joy, and her husband Waymond. At the beginning of the film, Evelyn is disconnected from both Joy and Waymond, overwhelmed by the stress of running the laundromat and the cultural pressures imposed on her by her father, Gong Gong. The multiverse storyline provides a fantastical context for these relationships to evolve, but the real journey is one of emotional reconnection and understanding.
Evelyn's relationship with Joy, in particular, is marked by generational and cultural conflict. Joy, who struggles with her own identity and her mother's disapproval of her queer relationship, represents the younger generation's desire for acceptance and self-expression. Evelyn, shaped by the hardships of immigration and her father's expectations, initially fails to understand or support Joy. The multiverse allows Evelyn to confront these emotional barriers, realizing that her love for her daughter must transcend judgment and expectations.
One of the film's most profound themes is its exploration of existentialism, and the idea of meaning in a seemingly chaotic and indifferent universe. Joy, in her guise as Jobu Tupaki, embodies a nihilistic worldview, having experienced every possibility in the multiverse and concluded that nothing matters. Her creation of the Everything Bagel, a black hole-like object that contains everything, is a symbol of this overwhelming nihilism, in which everything collapses into nothingness.
Evelyn, too, grapples with this existential crisis as she navigates the multiverse. The film questions how one can find meaning in a life where countless possibilities exist, and none seem more significant than the other. But instead of succumbing to nihilism, Evelyn learns that meaning is found not in grand cosmic truths, but in the small, personal connections and acts of kindness that define human relationships. The film's resolution suggests that in the face of chaos, love, empathy, and human connection are what give life meaning.
The multiverse also serves as a way for Evelyn to explore different versions of herself, and to reflect on her own sense of identity. Throughout the film, Evelyn is presented with versions of herself that are more successful, glamorous, or powerful, causing her to question her own self-worth. However, as she traverses these alternate realities, Evelyn comes to realize that her worth does not lie in external accomplishments or in comparing herself to other versions of herself.
The film's message of self-acceptance is ultimately tied to the idea that every version of a person, no matter how flawed or seemingly unsuccessful, has inherent worth. For Evelyn, accepting herself in her current life, with all its imperfections, becomes the key to saving the multiverse and healing her relationships.
Evelyn, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, is the protagonist of the film and undergoes the most significant character transformation. At the beginning of the film, Evelyn is overwhelmed by her responsibilities and disconnected from her family. As she navigates the multiverse, she confronts her deepest fears, regrets, and desires, ultimately learning to value love and empathy over control and perfection. Yeoh's performance is both emotionally nuanced and physically demanding, capturing the complexity of Evelyn's inner and outer journey.
Waymond, played by Ke Huy Quan, is Evelyn's kind-hearted and optimistic husband. Though initially perceived as ineffectual, Waymond's philosophy of kindness and compassion proves to be the film's moral compass. In contrast to Evelyn's tendency to fight, Waymond believes in resolving conflict through understanding and connection. His character represents the power of softness and emotional vulnerability in the face of chaos.
Joy, played by Stephanie Hsu, serves as both Evelyn's daughter and the film's antagonist. As Jobu Tupaki, Joy embodies nihilism and despair after experiencing the overwhelming multiplicity of the multiverse. Her existential crisis drives the film's central conflict, as she challenges Evelyn to find meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. Beneath her cynicism, however, Joy longs for connection and love, especially from her mother. Her reconciliation with Evelyn provides the film's emotional resolution.
The film's frenetic visual style and rapid editing reflect the chaos of the multiverse. The Daniels use a mix of quick cuts, split screens, and surreal visual effects to create a sense of disorientation and infinite possibility. The film's visual language shifts between genres, from action-packed martial arts sequences to intimate domestic drama, reflecting the fluidity of the multiverse and Evelyn's shifting realities.
The film's score, composed by Son Lux, complements the emotional and tonal shifts, transitioning from intense, pulsating electronic beats to more introspective, melodic pieces. The sound design, especially during the multiverse transitions, heightens the sense of immersion in different realities, using distinct auditory cues to signal the shifts between universes.
Everything Everywhere All at Once has been widely praised for its originality, blending of genres, and emotional depth. The film's exploration of existential themes, coupled with its humor and heart, has resonated with audiences, making it one of the most unique cinematic experiences in recent years. Its focus on a Chinese-American immigrant family has also been lauded for its representation of Asian characters in mainstream cinema, further cementing its cultural impact.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a visionary film that combines the spectacle of science fiction with a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and meaning. Through its inventive use of the multiverse, the film delves into profound existential questions while maintaining a strong emotional core centered on love and connection. With its bold visual style and powerful performances, the film stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of storytelling and the human experience.
