Everything Everywhere All at Once brilliantly captures the chaos and multifaceted challenges of living with ADHD. The central character's struggle to manage her emotions, constantly juggling numerous tasks while being prone to stress, mirrors the daily realities of those with ADHD. Her detachment from her husband, who is on the verge of seeking a divorce due to her inability to connect, poignantly highlights the relational difficulties often faced by individuals with ADHD.
The film uses surreal and hyper-stylised scenes to depict the main character's internal world. Her experience in the tax office elevator, symbolised by a bagel and headphones, serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming rush of life flashing before her eyes – a familiar sensation for those with ADHD who often feel bombarded by sensory and emotional overload.
Her impulsive reaction, such as punching an IRS agent due to a misinterpretation of her actions, illustrates the impulsivity and misreading of social cues that can be characteristic of ADHD. This is further exemplified in a scene where her daughter becomes both her saviour and her destroyer, representing the internal tug-of-war often experienced.
The film's exploration of medication and its effects is particularly resonant. The leading figure's journey through various 'verses' (or realities) after taking her 'first pill' is akin to the trial-and-error process in finding the right ADHD medication and dosage. The symbolism of saying "I love you" amidst chaos could represent finding the right treatment balance, leading to moments of clarity and the unveiling of hidden potential.
The narrative also delves into the main character's relationship with her daughter, reflecting the complexities and intense emotions in familial dynamics affected by ADHD. Scenes like pushing her daughter to her limits, resulting in mental fragmentation, are metaphoric of the high demands and expectations that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Furthermore, the film's depiction of the central figure using improvised methods to overcome challenges, such as using a riot shield spotted in a brief glance for defence, mirrors the creative problem-solving often employed by those with ADHD.
In conclusion, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" is a cinematic embodiment of the ADHD experience. It captures the chaotic, overwhelming, and often misunderstood nature of the condition, while also highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives that come with it. The film is a powerful, empathetic, and enlightening portrayal, offering both a mirror and a window into the lives of those with ADHD.
The film itself is one of the very few that I've happily watched multiple times in a row, sometimes even back-to-back, which is similar to what I find myself doing with music these days. That said, I happily rate it 9/10.
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