How 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Depicts ADHD in a Brilliant Way

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Please note that this blog post may contain spoilers for the movie 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' If you have not seen the movie yet and do not want to know what happens, please do not read any further.

The purpose of this post is to explain how the movie colorfully and brilliantly depicts ADHD. I will only focus on one character, the signs she exhibits during the movie that indicate ADHD, and how the other characters treat her. Rest assured. I will not give away too many spoilers in this blog.

If you're looking for a movie that will blow your mind, make you laugh, and touch your heart, look no further than 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ the latest masterpiece from A24 and the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert).

The film stars Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang, a woman who can access other versions of herself across multiple universes. As she tries to save existence from a cosmic threat, she also has to deal with her own personal struggles: her failing laundromat business, her unhappy marriage, and her disapproving father.

In recent months, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” has been a highly acclaimed film that has won numerous awards. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 7 of them, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. It also won 1 British Academy Film Award out of 10 nominations and 5 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards out of 13.

This movie is even more special because it portrays Evelyn's ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which affects millions worldwide. Evelyn has trouble focusing on one thing at a time, gets easily distracted by her surroundings, and often feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities. However, she also has a lot of creativity, curiosity, and resilience that help her navigate through her extraordinary adventure.

The film does not explicitly label Evelyn as having ADHD, but it shows many common signs and symptoms among people with this condition. For example:

• Evelyn has difficulty organizing her tasks and prioritizing what's important. She often forgets to pay bills or do laundry and struggles to keep up with her customers' demands. She also tends to procrastinate on things that bore or stress her out.

• Evelyn is easily bored by routine and craves novelty and stimulation. She enjoys reading books about quantum physics and philosophy but finds it hard to stick to one topic for too long. She also likes to explore different possibilities and scenarios in her mind, which sometimes leads her to daydream or zone out.

• Evelyn is impulsive and acts on her instincts. She does not hesitate to follow a mysterious voice that guides her through different universes, even though it puts her in danger. She also makes snap decisions without thinking about the consequences or alternatives.

• Evelyn is emotionally sensitive and empathetic. She cares deeply about other people's feelings and needs, especially those of her alternate selves. She also experiences intense emotions that can change quickly depending on the situation. She can be happy one moment and angry or sad the next.

• Evelyn is creative and resourceful. She uses her imagination and intuition to solve problems and overcome challenges. She also adapts well to new environments and situations, learning new skills along the way.

The film does not portray ADHD as a flaw or a weakness; rather, it shows how it can be a strength or an asset in certain contexts. Evelyn's ADHD allows her to connect with other versions of herself with different personalities, abilities, and experiences. It also helps her cope with the chaos and uncertainty of traveling across multiple realities.

The film also shows how ADHD can affect one's relationships with others. Evelyn's husband, Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), loves her but does not understand why she acts the way she does. Her lack of attention, communication, impulsiveness, and unpredictability frustrates him. He wishes she could be more stable and consistent.

Evelyn's father, James Hong, is even more critical of his daughter's behavior. He thinks she is wasting her potential by running a laundromat instead of pursuing a more prestigious career like medicine or law. He blames himself for not raising her properly or giving her enough discipline.

Evelyn feels guilty for disappointing both men in different ways, but she also feels misunderstood by them both. They do not appreciate how hard she tries to balance everything in life while dealing with ADHD.

The film does not offer any easy solutions or cures for ADHD; instead, it celebrates diversity and individuality. It shows everyone has strengths and weaknesses, challenges and opportunities, dreams and fears. It encourages us to embrace ourselves and others for who we are, not who we think we should be.

If you have ADHD yourself or know someone who does, I highly recommend watching 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' It will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It will inspire you to live your life fully and authentically. And it will remind you that you are not alone in this crazy multiverse.