Singapore’s ‘We Are All Strangers’ Unfolds Poetic Family Drama Through a Unique Micro-Macro Lens
Abhira 
Anthony Chen’s latest film, ‘We Are All Strangers’, offers a touching and poetic exploration of everyday life within a Singaporean family. As the final installment of Chen’s loosely connected ‘Growing Up’ trilogy, the movie poignantly portrays the delicate balance between personal dreams and familial bonds.
The story revolves around a young man who feels rudderless in his journey through life, alongside his hardworking father. Both characters navigate a tapestry of emotions including love, marriage, loss, and the fragile nature of hopes and aspirations. Chen skillfully captures the complexity of universal human experiences against the backdrop of Singapore’s vibrant yet intimate settings.
Visually striking and emotionally resonant, the film employs a micro-macro lens approach, highlighting both the subtle moments of everyday life and the broader existential challenges faced by the family. The performances are deeply authentic, drawing the audience into the nuanced layers of connection and struggle. Cinematography beautifully accentuates the poetic beauty found in ordinary routines and relationships, making the narrative both relatable and profound.
‘We Are All Strangers’ not only concludes the ‘Growing Up’ trilogy with grace but also stands as an evocative piece reflecting the fragility of dreams and the enduring power of love within family dynamics. Anthony Chen’s direction invites viewers to contemplate their own familial ties and the shared human condition through an intimate Singaporean lens.
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