All of You Review: A Mature Sci-Fi Love Story

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our coverage for the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. All of You is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on September 26.

      Numerous films have posed the question of whether a man and a woman can simply be friends, but very few have successfully answered it positively. For much of its first half, All of You seemed poised to become yet another entry in this romantic tradition, as journalist Simon (Brett Goldstein) gradually comes to the realization that his best friend from university, Laura (Imogen Poots), might actually be the love of his life. This premise, though familiar, is elevated by its engaging dialogue and authentic performances, setting it apart from the typical Richard Curtis-style sentimental tearjerker. However, around the halfway mark, Simon and Laura are compelled to address this underlying tension, revealing that the screenplay, penned by Goldstein and director William Bridges, possesses a more nuanced emotional understanding and a less idealistic approach to their evolving relationship than the pining first act implies.

      Set in an ambiguous near-future where technological advancements are subtly integrated into daily life, millions have turned away from traditional dating in favor of “The Test,” a scientifically-backed method for discovering one’s soulmate. This sci-fi premise, subtle in nature, serves as the catalyst that pulls Laura away from Simon to pursue a relationship with the Scottish Lukas (Steven Cree), leaving the romantically hopeful Simon, who is still in denial about his own feelings, reluctantly acknowledging the algorithm’s effectiveness, despite his preference for old-fashioned dating methods. This concept has drawn comparisons to the Black Mirror episode "Hang the DJ," although Goldstein and Bridges have been developing their screenplay for over a decade and strive to avoid clichéd genre conventions, treating the matchmaking device more as a MacGuffin than a focal point. They recognize that audiences are likely not overly concerned with the scientific underpinnings.

      Each subsequent scene shifts to distinct milestones in the lives of the two central characters, beginning with Laura taking The Test, and then jumping forward through weeks, months, and even years to their next encounter. The ensemble cast subtly imbues each moment with significance, ensuring that no single scene feels overly climactic. Relationships begin and end abruptly, with one scene seamlessly transitioning to the next; a newborn can suddenly appear several years older in the timeline. Although the film is a concise 98 minutes long, its portrayal of time evokes a grander romantic saga. It feels more extensive than its run time suggests, which is a compliment rather than a criticism. Even when each segment marks a crucial moment in the protagonists' lives, the moments left off-screen resonate with weight.

      Since his breakout role in Ted Lasso, Goldstein has become synonymous with the show's brand of amiable humor, where characters' kindness often takes precedence over punchlines. This familiarity is present in All of You; it defies the rom-com label due to its scarcity of jokes, even as the characters exchange inside jokes. However, what sets All of You apart from that streaming success is its focus on interpersonal conflicts, showing less interest in absolving or justifying the central characters' behavior, even as their relationship delves into complexities that most studio executives would prefer to depict in a more critical light.

      If it's not already clear from my indirect commentary, All of You reaches a turning point when Simon and Laura begin an affair, long after she has established a life with a husband and a young child. This twist positions the film as more morally ambiguous compared to Goldstein's sitcom: neither character faces consequences for their actions, and, importantly, Lukas is portrayed as a good husband and father, breaking the mold of the dull or threatening archetypes often seen in stories about infidelity. Their connection is driven solely by years of emotional desire, with the film showing little interest in punishing them for their choices. Rather than delivering a sentimental narrative about their destiny, it encourages viewers to assess whether their relationship is worthwhile, while still acknowledging the attraction of a clandestine romance.

      Given the Internet's propensity for scorn toward "cheaters," it remains uncertain whether audiences will be ready for a mature examination of affair dynamics. For me, this aspect enriched the film, making it a more sophisticated and adult romance than any I've encountered recently––Goldstein and Bridges didn't require a sci-fi gimmick to present a fresh perspective on an overexposed genre.

      All of You was showcased at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival.