Directed by Ray Yeung, All Shall Be Well tells the story of Angie and Pat (Patra Au and Maggie Li Lin Lin), an elderly couple who have lived together for thirty years in their Hong Kong flat. However, when Pat passes away unexpectedly, Angie discovers that she has no legal claim to their apartment. As Pat’s family begins to claim ownership and make decisions against her wishes, Angie soon begins to find herself potentially homeless, forcing her to begin a new journey towards independence.
All Shall Be Well is a beautiful piece about the conflict that can happen after deep losses in our lives. Yeung often keeps the film tight on Au’s face, never allowing us to forget that this truly is her story. Her relationship with Lin Lin serves as the emotional bedrock of the film, even after her character’s passing. Every moment feels as though Angie’s world has frozen in time.
But the beauty of All Shall Be Well is in its exploration of the nature of family. After Angie’s belief about her role in the family is destroyed, she is left wondering what comes next. All of a sudden, to Pat’s blood relatives, Angie becomes an expendable convenience. In a community that struggles to accept their relationship, their relationship still seems burdened by the weight of shame. (“She’s not just my best friend,” Angie reminds her parents.)
But not so to the women that knew her best. Their acknowledgment of Angie and Pat’s love celebrates their family as authentic. Angie and Pat’s home was one of peace. It was meant as a place of support and care for all who entered. Their acceptance helps bring Angie that same healing and hope that they offered to others, potentially allowing her to believe that, once again, all shall be well.
All Shall Be Well is playing at Inside Out ’24. For more information, click here.
