Runner up - All of us Strangers

Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott—do I need to say more? Going into this film, I had high expectations but wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact it would have. At its core, this movie speaks to anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one and the yearning for one last chance to tell them, I’m okay. You don’t have to worry. Through Adam’s journey, we vicariously live out that bittersweet fantasy—seeing their face, hearing their laugh—filling a void that feels achingly familiar. It’s a film that resonates deeply, touching your soul in ways you don’t expect.

The story centers on Adam, a 30-something struggling screenwriter, and his relationship with Harry, a charismatic stranger from his building. Their love story is tender and transformative, offering a vision of a relationship grounded in support and healing. It’s the kind of love I long for—one filled with moments of vulnerability, understanding, and tenderness. Amid this romance, Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhood home, where his parents—who passed away when he was just 12—seem to be alive. Through these surreal and poignant encounters, Adam engages in conversations that feel like therapy sessions, gradually unraveling his trauma and grief. Each exchange lingers, leaving an emotional imprint and often moving you to tears.

The ending is both haunting and open to interpretation, sparking endless reflection. The more I think about it, the more I feel compelled to re-watch and immerse myself in its layers again. This is a film about loneliness, love, loss, and the ways we try to heal—and it’s one that stays with you long after the credits roll.