‘All of Us’ by Willem Wallyn

This feature film by Willem Wallyn tells the story of Cathy, a terminally ill woman suffering from breast cancer. She joins a self-help group where she meets Vince, who has testicular cancer; Philippe, who has pancreatic cancer and only two months to live; and Lizzy, who has requested an assisted death. The group is led by therapist Els, who is going through a mid-life crisis and a divorce due to her husband’s affair. During the first session, Cathy shares that she wants to keep her illness a secret from her family. She expects her younger sister Vicky to step into her role as wife and mother. Unbeknownst to her, Vicky is having an affair with Cathy’s husband, and her son Gillan has already sensed that something is seriously wrong. When Cathy eventually confides in Vicky, her reaction is one of shock and distress. Meanwhile, Lizzy, determined to have an assisted death, is initially sceptical toward the self-help group. She, however, begins to find meaning and support through the others, particularly Vince. Though they clash at first, their bond deepens — Lizzy even joins Vince at chemotherapy. Eventually, her request for an assisted death is approved; however, in part due to her experiences within the group, her perspective shifts and she ultimately decides not to go through with euthanasia. Vince, on the other hand, embodies avoidance and denial. He masks his fear with bravado and escapism but gradually reveals a more fragile side, especially in connection with Lizzy. Meanwhile, Philippe deals with his prognosis with dry sarcasm and intellectual detachment. Diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer, he approaches his fate with stoic clarity, pushing others in the group to confront their own fears and denial. When he collapses and falls into a coma, the group is shaken. Cathy’s surgery reveals her cancer has spread, leaving no hope for recovery. As the group mourns Philippe’s death, she calmly signals the end by telling them she will “get a coffee” — their shared euphemism for goodbye. When her family visits her in the hospital, Cathy collapses. Her family eventually leaves, believing Gillan has already gone home — but in truth, he sneaks back to his mother’s room and stays with her until she dies. He had known, even without being told, that she would not make it. The film concludes with Lizzy, Vince, Els, and Cathy’s family preparing for her funeral.

Following its premier at the Film Fest Gent, ‘All of Us’ was widely successful and was nominated for eight Ensor Awards (the Flemish film prize), winning the Best Actress category. The film has received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of terminal illness, striking a delicate balance between heartfelt drama and bittersweet humour. From avoidance and denial to blunt honesty and quiet acceptance, the film presents a sensitive and emotional portrayal of how each character responds to their terminal diagnosis. Building on these personal responses, the film reflects that though it is a legal possibility to choose death in Belgium, one must still contend with the emotional, relational, and existential complexities surrounding that choice. Lizzy, who initially seeks assisted death as an act of agency and self-determination, becomes the film’s central figure for exploring how meaning, connection, and relational support can transform one’s orientation toward death. Her decision to ultimately forgo assisted death — after receiving approval and resolving a legal conflict with her father — does not negate the legitimacy of her initial wish. Instead, it highlights that even when the legal and procedural hurdles are cleared, the emotional journey is ongoing and often non-linear. The film affirms the importance of choice while also showing how that choice is embedded in social relationships, shifting perspectives, and personal growth. In this light, the self-help group is not merely a place to prepare for death, but rather a space where life is reclaimed, revealing how community and connection can offer peace and dignity even in the face of mortality. Rather than simply telling the stories of four terminally ill characters, the film invites the audience to reflect on mortality, vulnerability and the meaning of connection.