'Maternal Relations' in Everything Everywhere All at Once
by
Megan Kwok
A love letter towards Michelle Yeoh, second generation immigrant mother-daughter relationships, and optimistic existentialism- Everything, Everywhere All At Once has been named one of the best movies of the year and rightfully so. Created by the Daniels, the movie accurately and emotionally portrays the trials and tribulations of second generation families in Western society, but also provides a sense of comfort and relatability to those not in the diaspora.
The film focuses on Evelyn- played by the wonderful Michelle Yeoh- a Chinese immigrant in the United States who owns a laundromat; and sees her struggle to accept 1. her life as it is, 2. her daughter’s sexuality, and 3. her slowly deteriorating marriage; whilst including supernatural, multiverses elements that not only rival the ones portrayed in large movie franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also does not seem to be shoe-horned in. Instead, it ate as a valuable tool for providing insight into Evelyn’s character.