Everything, Everywhere All At Once, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, is a strange and trippy exploration of identity, family, and the infinite possibilities of one’s life. This mind blowing film follows Evelyn Wang, an exhausted laundromat owner who discovers that she must connect with alternate versions of herself across the entire multiverse to stop an impending collapse of reality and everything else. What really makes this film stand out from the rest is its ongoing mixture of absurdity and emotional depth. From fighting foes with fanny packs, to a world where everyone has hotdogs for fingers, The Daniel’s created such a chaotic, but cohesive narrative that feels oddly personal with the audience. They use rapid fire editing, vibrant visuals, and surreal humor to show the multiverse, while getting the story in universal themes of family and one’s self identity. Daniel’s abilities to seamlessly weave ridiculous things such as a giant blackhole as bagel and people with googly eyes for eyes into heartfelt moments which represents their unique storytelling style. By merging genres and embracing daring risks, the Daniel’s craft a film that is as emotionally impactful as it is visually breathtaking.

The main plot of the movie isn’t just about saving the multiverse; its real plot is reconciling generational trauma, fixing damaged relationships, and finding meaning in day to day life. The woman who played the role for the mother, Michelle Yeoh delivers an absolutely career changing performance, alternating between action role, comedic role, and the role of a vulnerable and struggling mother to make contact with her only daughter named Joy played by Stephanie Hsu. Ke Huy Quan, as Evelyn’s sweet and kind husband Waymond, gives a very heartwarming counterbalance in his quiet quote: “In another life, I would have loved doing laundry and taxes with you”. Stephanie Hsu’s character portrays a chaotic antagonist, Jobu Tupaki, who adds uniqueness and emotional resonance to the story. Evelyn’s journey throughout the multiverse in the end leads her to an unexpected conclusion that the true power lies in kindness and love, not chaos or control. By embracing her flaws, coming to accept her daughter Joy for who she is, and reconnecting with her sweet husband Waymond, she finds meaning in life’s imperfections. The movie finishes with Evelyn rejecting nihilism and choosing to fight for her family, proving that even amidst infinite possibilities, the connections we all make in our own world matters the most. Although it is wild yet deeply emotional directing, the whole plotline leaves viewers with a strong reminder to see life and each other.