Brett Goldstein on His Toronto Romance ‘All of You’: ‘I Rarely Say This — I’m Really Proud of It’

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that “All of You” is a captivating piece of cinema that truly resonates. The story, set in a near-future where science has devised a method to determine one’s soulmate, explores the complexities and depths of human relationships in a unique and thought-provoking way.


Titled “All of You,” this upcoming sales show premiering on September 7th in Toronto, presents a challenge that some audiences may find apprehensive about participating in.

In this upcoming tale, set in a future just around the corner, science has discovered a way to identify your true soulmate – if you’re willing to undergo the test. An unexpected twist arises between characters Simon (Brett Goldstein) and Laura (Imogen Poots), as it turns out that Laura’s ideal match is not Simon, whom she harbors feelings for despite her own resistance. The encounters they have over the years, following Laura’s discovery of who her perfect partner truly is, grow increasingly intense with pain.

According to William Bridges, the movie’s director who collaborated with Goldstein on the script, “We aimed to narrate a tale about relationships.” By altering one aspect in our fictional universe, we discovered a means to challenge people’s understanding of genuine love. This unexplored perspective offered an abundance of opportunities for a compelling romantic narrative.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who won an Emmy for his work on “Black Mirror” (“USS Callister” being one of his two acclaimed episodes), initially created “All of You” as a short film with Goldstein. The idea was born from their conversations about their personal relationships. At that point, they didn’t have the financial backing to produce anything. They wrote it primarily for themselves, aiming to reach the end and determine if there was potential for a full-length movie.

Over the years, both men saw remarkable growth in their careers. Notably, Goldstein has won two Emmys for his work on “Ted Lasso” and co-created Apple TV+’s comedy series “Shrinking”. His words express a deep sense of satisfaction: “I could cry,” he says, “It’s like my baby – something we’ve been dreaming about for 10 years. I rarely say this, but I am truly proud of it.

A distinctive feature of the movie lies in its ability to swiftly advance through its narrative without explicit time markers on screen, leaving it up to the audience to decipher their current location and the evolving relationship between Simon and Laura. These transition points often carry great significance for both characters, as noted by Poots. He explains that this approach keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, and there’s an element of intrigue in witnessing the intense, more stylized high-drama moments.

Bridges explains, “The fun part is figuring out their connections.” However, for the actors, it’s quite demanding as it covers a significant period of time, ranging from 15 to 20 years.

Goldstein chuckles as he explains, “The timing of our tasks was dictated by the length of my beard. Initially, we had a long beard, then we’d trim it slightly – maintaining beard consistency was the most challenging aspect.

Coordinating events out of order during filming was tough, yet the team spirit (esprit de corps) carried the project forward. As Poots, famous for roles in “French Exit” and “The Father,” explains, it was a swift production. However, the charm of this work sometimes lies in its guerrilla-style approach – capturing scenes amidst London’s bustling streets during rush hour. That’s the excitement!

The tale told in ‘All of You’ is deeply personal and intertwined with technology, yet it’s important to note that this isn’t a science fiction story. Instead, we aim to narrate a particular love story, using the lens of how the world has evolved through the eyes of our characters as a backdrop.” In essence, culture and technology serve as supporting actors, while the relationship between Simon and Laura takes center stage.

The film is likened to movies from the 1970s and ’80s that she’s revisited over time, such as “Heartburn” and “Falling in Love.” She explains that these films have shaped her understanding of self and life’s priorities. She expresses her hope that this movie will resonate with others. In a light-hearted comment, she adds: “I just hope it doesn’t lead to marital discord!

Regarding Goldstein, who gained prominence through his television work, he yearns for the production to be showcased on large movie screens following its Toronto run. “I aspire that it receives a massive theater release,” he expresses. “Being a cinema enthusiast, I long for it to be in cinemas so that people can laugh and cry together.

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2024-09-07 15:46