Although there’s been much speculation about how the dearth of romantic comedies reflects a change within the film industry, it’s worth noting that it’s not just humorous crowd pleasers that have vanished. Romance is rarely given a space to exist on its own without a genre bent, historical angle, or other distinguishing factor. The occasional romantic drama like “Materialists” or “We Live In Time” has broken through financially, indicating that there is an audience interested in seeing an empathetic, relatable story about human connection. Despite a very mild component of science fiction, “All of You” is a return to the standard “British weepie” that used to be a mainstay within commercial cinema.
“All of You” (2024) is set within a future that’s close enough to reality that it could very well be perceived as a period piece in a few short years. The evidence of worldbuilding is subtle, but effective enough in showing the slight escalation of technological reliance. Laura (Imogen Poots) and Simon (Brett Goldstein) have been best friends for years, and often share a cab ride or drink together as they make time between their overwhelming work commitments. Although there’s a level of familiarity that they share that would be unusual for a non-romantic, non-familial relationship, Laura and Simon don’t feel that they are at risk of crossing the line because of the scientific proof that they’ve been provided with. A test known as the “Soul Connex” is utilized to match people with their rightful soulmates, and Laura is happily married to Lukas (Steven Cree).
Simon is a bit skeptical about the notion of defining something that can’t quite be calculated, but he’s also struggled to find someone on his own. Even though he’s been able to strike up meaningful conversations with his blind date, Andrea (Zawe Ashton), Simon’s lack of enthusiasm about anyone that isn’t Laura is more than apparent. To suggest that they could just bend or break the rules to fit their circumstances might feel like an easy solution, but “All of You” examines the compilation of societal integration. Lukas is an ideal husband and an amazing father to Laura’s children, and Simon’s passionate, yet unpredictable nature might be better-suited for a close friend.
The brilliance of the setup in “All of You” is only let down by how closely it adheres to the conventions of the genre. It’s easy to anticipate that Laura and Simon will eventually find an excuse to become intimate with one another, and that the spark unlocked by their fling will become difficult to ignore. To the film’s credit, time is bided very keenly in the buildup to their first liaison, as both characters represent a different type of pragmatism. The film also avoids putting a label on the dominance of either character. Their time together is mutually agreed upon, as both characters seem willing to ignore the risks that come with potentially disrupting their entire lives.
In its first half, “All of You” seems compiled from the best of what a shameless bit of heartstring pulling can be. There’s excitement to see Laura and Simon cut fragments from their schedules in order to spend meaningful time together, with one romantic getaway in particular feeling like a heist thriller. It’s also a relationship that is interesting in what has been withheld. Even if Simon and Laura have known each other for their entire lives, and have realized they’ve been in love with one another for almost as long, there’s still room for discovery once they stop denying their truths. The pure jubilation within the fleeting moments of kinship makes the inevitable messiness that follows feel even more cruel.
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“All of You” seemingly makes all the right choices when it comes to the splintering of its central relationship. The secondary characters feel well-realized and grounded, as they lack the type of simplistic motivations that would make the decisions feel easier. There’s also a point to showing the differences that may have kept Simon and Laura at a distance from one another, even if the Soul Connex didn’t exist; Laura’s compartmentalization of her decisions has come to haunt her, and Simon is unwilling to participate in something that simply “feels” wrong in its heart. The ultimate reason that the Soul Connex is appealing isn’t the prospect of finding the perfect life partner, but of having avoided any consequences of choice. The only thing people seem to fear more than loneliness is the deep-seated regret that they could’ve walked a different path.
Unfortunately, the depth of the characters and moral predicament can’t help “All of You” from becoming a slog once the emotional gutpunches are hurled, as the second half is tepidly dull and often quite derivative. While the misery incited by seeing these two characters in anguish is baked into the premise, “All of You” becomes so caught up in creating friction that the well-established context falls to the wayside. It’s frustrating to see a film that initially felt so subversive adhere so strictly to formula when it comes to having a real impact.
What makes the experience worth watching are the performances. Goldstein and Poots have some of the best onscreen chemistry of any of 2025’s screen duos. Poots has long been an underappreciated actress with her ability to play appealing, yet emotionally distant characters whose charisma is tinged with contrition, and she makes the most of a character that almost feels overwritten.
More than anything, it’s Goldstein’s performance—infused with the dedication of a co-writer—that transforms “All of You” into something truly affecting. Goldstein’s surprisingly depthful performance on Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” has been widely praised, even by the show’s detractors, but the grace and pain he brings to his work in “All of You” suggests that he may be becoming a major star. When watching how he’s able to weave vulnerability into moments of both humor and heartbreak, it’s hard not to think of a young Richard Gere or Tom Hanks.
“All of You” effectively executes its goals, as it’s hard not to be moved by even the most routine passages. The ambiguity of its sci-fi elements may actually help it age better, as the film’s exploration of the prison of choice feels perfectly synced to the vibes of 2025. The disappointment of “All of You” is that there is enough to briefly suggest that the film might be great before it settles into just being good.
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