The Stranger

I've recently watched a bunch of low budget horror and thriller films due to the fact that we're in October right now, but one slugfest after another brought me to The Stranger.

I had planned to watch this as soon as it released on Netflix as I trust Joel Edgerton's film choices more than most others, but I wasn't expecting it to be this dark. It really is a dreadful ride of two depressing hours with zero light in sight. Perfectly acted, Sean Harris does a wonderful job and as more and more of his character is revealed; his acting becomes all that more intriguing.

A really good film but not one I will rewatch a lot. Great ending in particular though.

The trailer and IMDB synopsis for this film tell you very little.

I went in knowing only that, and that made the experience fantastic. What an exciting and creepy story.

I read a few reviews here, and saw that they spoil a lot. It's up to you, but my advice is: don't read the reviews, and go see the film. I'll only tell you this: it's not a family film or a comedy. But for the rest, any adult viewer has nothing to worry about, and odds are that you'll find this film interesting.

It's a calm film, but not slow paced. Looks good, great acting. It's worth it going in with only what the trailer showed you. It's based on a true story.

I was around 90 minutes into the 'The Stranger' when I finally clicked that I had listened to a podcast about this story back in 2017. It had captivated me back then and it was captivating me again now in movie form. If you are the type that doesn't usually enjoy true stories don't be put off. This one is a doozy.

I wouldn't say it's the most polished film I've seen. The dialogue can be very hard to pick up (partly because of strong Australian accents and partly because of mumbled speech). I actually ended up having to watch it with the Netflix subtitles on, but that was no big deal. I also would've liked some writing at the end of the film to explain what exactly ended up happening in the aftermath.

Weaknesses aside though, the story is strong enough to carry it. I think if I had to pick between the film and the podcast to hear this story I would go with the podcast, simply because you get every single little detail. But make no mistake, this works well as a film and is worth your time. 8/10.

Australian crime dramas have always kept me on edge despite their knack for the implication of violence rather than actually showing it on the big screen. Wright's peculiar style of narration, unraveling the story in a somewhat unconventional style, actually amplifies the impact the story leaves on the audience.

As for the score and cinematography, a better job couldn't have been possibly done as the atmospheric style totally suits the storyline.

Even though Joel Edgerton delivers an acceptable performance as a character living a dual life, one must admit that it is Sean Harris who carries the whole movie with his nuanced yet powerhouse delivery.

One tiny bit of criticism: I am sure they could have come up with a much better and more intriguing title than "The Stranger".

As "The Stranger " (2022 release from Australia; 116 min) opens, we are introduced to Paul and Henry, 2 strangers who strike up a conversation on an overnight bus drive (think Greyhound). They gain each other's trust, and at Paul's invite, Henry joins him for an unspecified job Paul must do for Mark. "No violence!. Pleads Henry, and he agrees to join us. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the second feature from Australian actor-turned-director Thomas Wright. Almost from the get-go I found something very David Lynch-like about this movie. Yes, nominally it's about a long ago disappearance, likely murder, of a young man. But it's the journey along the way that really matters in this film. I had the hardest time figuring out what was really going on for a long time. BEWARE: it is imperative that you turn on the English subtitles to fully grasp what is happening. I made the mistake of starting without the subtitles and within 10 minutes realized I was missing half the dialogue, if not more. I restarted the movie with subtitles and that turned out to be a life saver. The movie is mysterious all the way up to the end, and I absolutely loved it. The only "star" that I recognized was Joel Edgerton (as Mark), and he was superb. I fully recognize that this movie is not for everyone, as there is not a lot of "action". Instead it's a mystery that reveals itself, layer upon psychological layer.

"The Stranger" premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim. Still it bypassed US theaters altogether, and it started streaming on Netflix not long ago. Netflix suggested it to me based on my viewing habits. Good move Netflix. If you are in the mood for a dark psychological crime drama from Down Under, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.