Everything Strange and New

Everything Strange and New is a movie from 2009 that takes its viewers on a contemplative journey through the ups and downs of everyday domestic life. The film, directed by Frazer Bradshaw and stars Rigo Chacon Jr., Jered Daniel, and Hannah Kern in lead roles transcends the ordinary to unravel a tale of deep human relationships, existential angst, and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a rapidly changing world.


The narrative centers around Wayne (played by Rigo Chacon Jr.), a carpenter stuck squarely in the middle of life's crossroads. As the layers of his life strip away, he confronts the basic but persistently complex realities of his existence: economic inequality, familial responsibilities, overbearing mortgages, the intricacies of friendship, and the unfolding crisis of a mid-life identity. Wayne is as much an embodiment of an everyday working-class man as he is a poignant commentary on the larger questions about human existence.

Jered Daniel, playing the role of Will, Wayne’s best friend, provides a stark contrast to Wayne's character and offers another perspective on the baffling maze of life. He is impulsive, reckless, yet alluring because he seems to live life on his own terms - a life that Wayne seemingly envies.

Hannah Kern breathes life into the character of Dierdre, Wayne's wife. Their relationship explores the trials that come with marriage and parenthood, becoming a microcosm of the realities faced by modern-middle class families. Through their partnership, viewers get an insight into the passionate highs and the frustrating lows which are part and parcel of marital life.

Without sensationalizing or dramatizing, “Everything Strange and New” paints a heartfelt yet candid picture of the conundrums we face in life. One of its remarkable features is its ability to take the mundane aspects of life and highlight their significance. Whether it’s through the struggles of a confusing middle age, camaraderie in friendship, or battles fought within a household, the film becomes a reflection on life as we know it.

Through the lens of Bradshaw, the audience steps into an almost voyeuristic view of Wayne's world, carefully observing the seemingly insignificant actions that weave together the larger fabric of a man’s existence. The cinematography is intimate and raw, intensifying the depth of emotions conveyed by the characters and immersing the viewers in their experiences. It also creates a visually captivating atmosphere, making the ordinary look extraordinary and enhancing the movie's thematic depth.

The sound design manages to become an essential part of the storytelling, encapsulating the mood and emotions of the narrative rather than just serving as a background score. The subtle changes in rhythm highlight the characters' inner conflicts, adding another dimension to their journey.

What makes “Everything Strange and New” a compelling watch is not just its refreshing departure from the formulaic commercial cinema but also its authentic representation of life. It captures the essence of an average man's life, the dichotomies of happiness and sorrow within love, friendship, and the routine drudgery of domestic life and the seemingly insurmountable financial burdens haunting most individuals.

A particular brilliance in "Everything Strange and New" lies in its ability to expose viewers to the rawness of life. The film unconventionally navigates through the world of its characters, courageously embracing the human vulnerabilities, stark realities, and hanging questions.

“Everything Strange and New” is not typically a feel-good movie; it is an impactful exploration of the complexities of life and the human condition. The film leaves viewers with a lingering sense of introspection and an impelling urge to explore the often overlooked aspects of their life.

In a nutshell, “Everything Strange and New” is a cinematic masterpiece that uses a profound narrative combined with subtlety and artistry to elicit emotionally rich, philosophical contemplation on the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of living. Its universal appeal lies in its admirably down-to-earth representation of the human condition, proving that cinema need not always be about spectacle but can effectively be about ordinary people too.