Detailed Summary
Introduction to Evelyn Wang’s Life
Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) is a Chinese-American immigrant running a struggling laundromat with her husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan). Her life is a chaotic mess: she’s preparing for a tax audit by the irritable IRS agent Deirdre Beaubeirdra (Jamie Lee Curtis), dealing with her critical father Gong Gong (James Hong), and struggling to connect with her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu), who has just introduced her girlfriend Becky (Tallie Medel) to the family.
The Multiverse Revelation
During a tense meeting with Deirdre at the IRS office, Waymond’s body is taken over by Alpha Waymond, a version of her husband from another universe. He explains that the multiverse is real, and there is a great threat looming – an entity named Jobu Tupaki, who has created a black hole-like “everything bagel” that could destroy the multiverse.
Discovering Her Powers
Evelyn learns that she is the key to saving the multiverse. She gains the ability to access the skills, memories, and lives of her alternate selves across various universes. This includes versions where she is a martial arts expert, a renowned actress, and even one where people have hot dog fingers.
The Conflict with Jobu Tupaki
Evelyn discovers that Jobu Tupaki is actually her daughter Joy from the Alpha universe. Alpha Joy’s mind was fractured from extensive multiverse jumping, leading her to become Jobu Tupaki, who now experiences all realities at once and believes that nothing truly matters.
Confrontation and Resolution
Evelyn initially struggles with her newfound powers and the overwhelming chaos of the multiverse. However, with Waymond’s encouragement to approach conflicts with kindness and understanding, Evelyn confronts Jobu Tupaki. She acknowledges Joy’s pain and offers her love and support, ultimately rejecting nihilism and embracing the importance of family and compassion.
Reconciliation and New Beginnings
The film concludes with the Wang family reconciling. Evelyn and Waymond resolve to face their problems together, and Evelyn and Joy repair their strained relationship. In a hopeful final scene, Evelyn is seen more content and in control of her life, even as she continues to experience the occasional disorienting effects of the multiverse.
Movie Ending
The movie ends on a hopeful note with Evelyn and her family working together to rebuild their lives. Evelyn’s newfound perspective allows her to find joy and meaning in her everyday life, strengthening her bonds with Waymond and Joy. The final scenes suggest that while the multiverse is still vast and unpredictable, Evelyn has found peace within her own universe.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a genre-bending action-adventure comedy-drama that incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, and martial arts.
Cast
- Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang
- Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang
- Stephanie Hsu as Joy Wang / Jobu Tupaki
- James Hong as Gong Gong
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdra
- Tallie Medel as Becky Sregor
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score is composed by Son Lux, known for their experimental and eclectic style, which perfectly complements the film’s chaotic and diverse multiverse settings.
Filming Locations
- Simi Valley, California: Various scenes, including those at the laundromat.
- Los Angeles, California: Many of the urban settings and IRS office scenes.
The locations help ground the fantastical elements in a familiar, everyday reality.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Won Best Picture, Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), and Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan).
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Michelle Yeoh).
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The directors, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (known as the Daniels), were inspired by their own experiences with immigrant families and the feeling of being overwhelmed by modern life.
- Michelle Yeoh performed many of her own stunts and brought depth to her role through her martial arts background.
- Ke Huy Quan returned to acting after a long hiatus, delivering a heartfelt performance that was widely praised.
Inspirations and References
- Multiverse Theory: The concept of parallel universes and alternate realities.
- Immigrant Experience: Reflects the challenges and pressures faced by immigrant families.
- Martial Arts Films: Draws inspiration from classic martial arts movies and Michelle Yeoh’s extensive filmography.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings, but the film’s chaotic and multiverse-spanning narrative opened up many creative possibilities during production. The filmmakers likely trimmed or altered some scenes to maintain the film’s pacing and coherence.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is an original screenplay and not based on a book. Its innovative narrative structure and themes are unique to the film medium.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- IRS Office Fight: Evelyn first discovers her multiverse-jumping abilities.
- Hot Dog Fingers Universe: A bizarre and humorous alternate reality.
- Final Confrontation: Evelyn and Jobu Tupaki face off in a visually stunning showdown.
- Reconciliation Scene: Evelyn and Joy reconcile, leading to an emotional resolution.
Iconic Quotes
- “In another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.” – Waymond Wang
- “The universe is so much bigger than you realize.” – Alpha Waymond
- “Nothing matters.” – Jobu Tupaki
- “Be kind, especially when you don’t know what’s going on.” – Waymond Wang
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film contains numerous visual nods to other multiverse and sci-fi films, such as “The Matrix” and “Doctor Strange.”
- Look out for subtle references to Asian-American culture and immigrant experiences woven throughout the narrative.
- The everything bagel serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the film’s themes of existentialism and absurdity.
Trivia
- Ke Huy Quan returned to acting, inspired by the success of “Crazy Rich Asians” and his desire to see more Asian representation in Hollywood.
- The filmmakers shot the film during the COVID-19 pandemic, facing unique challenges throughout the production process.
- The Daniels initially envisioned Jackie Chan in the lead role but later reimagined the character for Michelle Yeoh.
Why Watch?
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a wildly imaginative film that combines action, humor, and heartfelt drama. Its exploration of the multiverse is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, making it a unique cinematic experience. Michelle Yeoh’s powerful performance and the film’s themes of family, identity, and existentialism offer something for everyone.
Director’s Other Movies
- Swiss Army Man (2016) – Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Matrix (1999)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- The Farewell (2019)
- Inception (2010)
- Swiss Army Man (2016)
