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This is one of those reviews where I’m so angry that I worry I won’t be able to write in coherent sentences. All Shall Be Well didn’t have contrived scenarios created to evoke emotion, instead it covered all too real problems and politely vicious human nature.
Pat and Angie have lived together in the apartment they bought for 30 years. To quote Forrest Gump they go together like peas and carrots. Once factory girls, they found a way to own a textile factory, which they sold years ago. They help Pat’s family financially when they can and always with deep seated affection. All seems well with this loving family until Pat dies suddenly without a will. With money and real estate involved, the familial bonds inexorably unwind. Angie found herself going from a life partner to a “best friend.”
I knew when I saw the synopsis where this film was headed. As same sex marriage is not currently legal in Hong Kong, Angie was in for a very rude awakening during her grief. If there is one complaint I have, it is that Pat and Angie had owned a business and had to know that everything needs to be in writing, documented, signed and sealed, especially for a particularly vulnerable relationship in the eyes of the law. * If a blow-up swimming pool has a deed or title, both people’s names better be on it or some greedy relative will appear to try and make a claim. Pat had too much faith that her family would honor her wishes. The situation in the film was that Pat’s brother became the executor and his say was all that mattered in regards to the funeral, the apartment, and other financial concerns. They quietly stole what was not theirs, all the while justifying it by minimizing Angie’s contributions through the years.
Patra Au gave a beautifully nuanced and complex performance as Angie’s grief was interrupted by the supposed loving family’s greed. Without screaming or wailing, she conveyed the pain of loss and the anger over the betrayals hurled her way. And the bitter resignation to her legal situation which saw her relationship minimized. There were also the gentle moments with Pat walking hand-in-hand and her kindnesses toward Pat’s family before they turned on her. Patra brought Angie to life and made her feel real.
Money can make even level-headed people throw away their ethics, rationalizing their despicable behavior. Pat and Angie’s love was beautiful and tender, the healthiest relationship in the family. Truly kind individuals, they were generous with their time and money. Luckily for Angie, she at least had the made family of friends she and Pat had cultivated who were far more caring and loyal than Pat’s biological kin. Pat’s family wasn’t overtly homophobic but that didn’t make their actions any less mercenary. This woman who had been an integral part of their lives for 30 years, who had shared their joys and sorrows was systematically erased. The one thing they couldn’t erase was the love and memories the women shared.
29 June 2026
Spoilery comments:
Edit---*PBG Note: Our beloved PBG brought up in a comment below that same sex couples who marry outside of HK/China are recognized for inheritance purposes. The movie did mention this legal maneuver that unfortunately, this older couple did not take advantage of. They made numerous mistakes. Pat put off writing her will for whatever reason, even though Angie helped pay for the apartment her name was not on the deed, some people have trouble recognizing their own mortality. I think the couple was so close to Pat's family that they never dreamed that they would be capable of stealing Angie's home and finances.
Vengeful Note: I hope that family never had a peaceful moment in the apartment and Pat's ghost haunted them for fun when she wasn't visiting Angie.
Pat and Angie have lived together in the apartment they bought for 30 years. To quote Forrest Gump they go together like peas and carrots. Once factory girls, they found a way to own a textile factory, which they sold years ago. They help Pat’s family financially when they can and always with deep seated affection. All seems well with this loving family until Pat dies suddenly without a will. With money and real estate involved, the familial bonds inexorably unwind. Angie found herself going from a life partner to a “best friend.”
I knew when I saw the synopsis where this film was headed. As same sex marriage is not currently legal in Hong Kong, Angie was in for a very rude awakening during her grief. If there is one complaint I have, it is that Pat and Angie had owned a business and had to know that everything needs to be in writing, documented, signed and sealed, especially for a particularly vulnerable relationship in the eyes of the law. * If a blow-up swimming pool has a deed or title, both people’s names better be on it or some greedy relative will appear to try and make a claim. Pat had too much faith that her family would honor her wishes. The situation in the film was that Pat’s brother became the executor and his say was all that mattered in regards to the funeral, the apartment, and other financial concerns. They quietly stole what was not theirs, all the while justifying it by minimizing Angie’s contributions through the years.
Patra Au gave a beautifully nuanced and complex performance as Angie’s grief was interrupted by the supposed loving family’s greed. Without screaming or wailing, she conveyed the pain of loss and the anger over the betrayals hurled her way. And the bitter resignation to her legal situation which saw her relationship minimized. There were also the gentle moments with Pat walking hand-in-hand and her kindnesses toward Pat’s family before they turned on her. Patra brought Angie to life and made her feel real.
Money can make even level-headed people throw away their ethics, rationalizing their despicable behavior. Pat and Angie’s love was beautiful and tender, the healthiest relationship in the family. Truly kind individuals, they were generous with their time and money. Luckily for Angie, she at least had the made family of friends she and Pat had cultivated who were far more caring and loyal than Pat’s biological kin. Pat’s family wasn’t overtly homophobic but that didn’t make their actions any less mercenary. This woman who had been an integral part of their lives for 30 years, who had shared their joys and sorrows was systematically erased. The one thing they couldn’t erase was the love and memories the women shared.
29 June 2026
Spoilery comments:
Edit---*PBG Note: Our beloved PBG brought up in a comment below that same sex couples who marry outside of HK/China are recognized for inheritance purposes. The movie did mention this legal maneuver that unfortunately, this older couple did not take advantage of. They made numerous mistakes. Pat put off writing her will for whatever reason, even though Angie helped pay for the apartment her name was not on the deed, some people have trouble recognizing their own mortality. I think the couple was so close to Pat's family that they never dreamed that they would be capable of stealing Angie's home and finances.
Vengeful Note: I hope that family never had a peaceful moment in the apartment and Pat's ghost haunted them for fun when she wasn't visiting Angie.
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