Anthony Chen’s ‘We Are All Strangers’ Completes Singaporean ‘Growing Up’ Trilogy

Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, known for his intimate and emotionally resonant dramas, returns to his home country with We Are All Strangers, the final installment in his “Growing Up” trilogy. The film, which screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, follows in the footsteps of his critically acclaimed Ilo Ilo (2013) and Wet Season (2019), continuing Chen’s exploration of ordinary lives and imperfect families within the context of a rapidly changing Singapore.

A Return to Family Drama

After directing films set in Greece and China, Chen’s latest work marks a return to the family drama style that defined his 2013 debut, Ilo Ilo. Like his previous films, We Are All Strangers draws inspiration from the works of Edward Yang and Tsai Ming-liang, though Chen’s approach is more direct and accessible. The film is set against the backdrop of Singapore, offering a critique of the city-state’s conformism and its pursuit of wealth and Western prestige.

The Story Unfolds

The narrative centers on Junyang, a twenty-something man played by Koh Jia Ler, navigating life after completing his mandatory military service. He lives with his widowed father, Boon Kiat (Andi Lim), in a modest rented flat and is hesitant to join the family noodle stall business. His aspirations clash with those of his girlfriend, Lydia (Regene Lim), a talented pianist aiming for university. Lydia’s mother, hardened by a past abandonment, disapproves of the relationship.

Parallel to Junyang and Lydia’s story, the film explores a romantic connection between Boon Kiat and Bee Hwa (Yeo Yann Yann), a waitress he encounters through his work. The film culminates in two wedding scenes, a nod to filmmaker Mark Cousins’ observation that including a wedding often contributes to a film’s success.

Contrasts and Illusions

The film highlights the stark contrast between the characters’ humble living conditions and the opulent world of Singapore’s elite. Junyang briefly experiences this contrast through a luxurious stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, resulting in Lydia’s pregnancy. He later finds employment as an estate agent, adopting the Western name “Steve” and selling high-end properties. However, the illusion of success is challenged when a promised sale falls through, and he discovers the lack of basic amenities in a display apartment.

A Sympathetic Portrayal

Chen’s film is praised for its “addictively brash storytelling” and its sympathetic portrayal of all characters. The film’s novelistic energy and nuanced exploration of human relationships contribute to its emotional resonance.

About Anthony Chen

Anthony Chen (born April 18, 1984) is a Singaporean film director, screenwriter, and producer. He gained international recognition with Ilo Ilo, which won the Camera d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, making him the first Singaporean to receive an award at the festival. He was invited to become a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in June 2023. His other notable works include Wet Season (2019).

‘Ilo Ilo’ – A Breakthrough

Chen’s debut feature, Ilo Ilo (2013), tells the story of a Filipino nursemaid, Teresa, and her relationship with the young boy, Jiale, in 1990s Singapore, set against the backdrop of the Asian recession. The film stars Yann Yann Yeo, Tian Wen Chen, and Angeli Bayani.