As We are all strangers begins racking up awards season accolades – so far nominated at the Gothams, Film Independent Spirits and National Board of Review Awards – stars Andrew Scott, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell premiered their film on Saturday night alongside writer-director Andrew in Los Angeles Haigh.

In the project, Scott plays a gay writer who begins a relationship with his mysterious neighbor (played by Paul Mescal), while also discovering that his parents (played by Foy and Bell) are apparently living the same life as the day they were born, died 30 ago years.

“I thought it was truly one of the most extraordinary scripts I’ve ever read. Really heartbreaking,” Scott said The Hollywood Reporter to take over the project. “I was really stumped after reading the script, and the finished film really isn’t all that different from the original script.”

Scott and Mescal – who were not present at the event – are receiving special attention due to their chemistry Flea bag The actor said they only knew each other briefly before filming, but “we developed a really, really close bond.” I absolutely adore Paul, he was such an incredible colleague. He’s such a soulful, intelligent and hard-working actor, it was wonderful. I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.”

Both actors are currently busy playing the romantic leads in their own hit series – Mescal in Normal people and Scott in Flea bag – However, the latter noted that although this role is very different from the role of the “Hot Priest” in the series by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “playing love in that sense, falling in love, is a really beautiful thing, and that Chemistry is a very beautiful thing.” difficult to quantify or qualify. I think sometimes chemistry is about great lines and actors really wanting to be there and really understanding that acting is about just listening to each other, just like a good date is about listening well .”

Scott also commented on the film’s outright tear-jerker, saying: “I really think it’s sad, but I would say it’s more emotional than sad.” It’s this idea of ​​what we could say to people who aren’t are more in our lives – that’s a beautiful, bold kind of premise and that’s why it’s touching.”

“I read a review that said it was a nuclear-grade tear film, and I think that’s appropriate,” Bell added. “I read the synopsis to people and they almost cry. I also think that sometimes it is a mistake to set such standards or expectations. So I don’t know, go into it with an open mind and expect nothing, and I think you’ll be rewarded.” Foy also joked that while tears are likely, they aren’t necessary: ​​”It’s totally fine to come and not at all to cry.”

When Bell took on the role of Scott’s character’s late father, the family connection to him and also to Foy arose naturally.

“He’s so easy to love, she’s a phenomenal actress. Strangely enough, we were still a family in a way; We filmed at Andrew Haigh’s parents’ house and then went into another house next door which was used as a lounge and me and Claire watched tennis because Wimbledon was going on and [Scott] “I would disappear upstairs like a teenager,” Bell laughed.

For her part, Foy said her agent called her and “basically just cried on the phone about how important this was and how important this movie was, and then I read it.” [the script] I saw so many moments of my life that were connected to the feelings I had about life and being human. I knew it would affect a lot of people.”

We are all strangers hits theaters on December 22nd.