Stranger at the Gate

2022
29m

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

1.7K

YOUR RATING

Documentary Short

A U.S. Marine plots a terrorist attack on a small-town American mosque, but his plan takes an unexpected turn when he comes face-to-face with the people he is about to kill.A U.S. Marine plots a terrorist attack on a small-town American mosque, but his plan takes an unexpected turn when he comes face-to-face with the people he is about to kill.A U.S. Marine plots a terrorist attack on a small-town American mosque, but his plan takes an unexpected turn when he comes face-to-face with the people he is about to kill.

Director
- Joshua Seftel
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.6/10

1.7K

YOUR RATING

Director
- Joshua Seftel
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 2 nominations total

Photos4

User reviews45

6.61.7K

Featured reviews

9UniqueParticle

Shocked this isn't higher rated than 6.8 especially since its been praised by many!

A must see 28 minute short that is well made, genuine and a surprise! About a father that seems normal and gets transformed because of the marine core. The performances are outstanding that stay interesting; I see why this has done well! The interviews/stories are fascinating along with being harsh. Stranger at the Gate is something special that is quite well directed something I probably wouldn't have seen if I wasn't as into the award shows more so than ever before and the subject matter is intense for me yet peacefully told. More than most shorts except The Boy, the Mole, the fox and the horse this is worthy of a win.

10cindyxtyu

A MUST-SEE !!

"Stranger at the Gate" is a powerful and emotional true story that shines a light on the importance of love, kindness, and understanding in today's world. The film tells the story of a veteran who, driven by hate and post-war trauma, plans to attack a Muslim community, but instead finds peace and freedom through the unexpected kindness he encounters. This sincere and touching film reminds us of the humanity that we all share, regardless of race, color, religion, experience, or education. The film also sheds light on the mental health of veterans and the importance of a caring community, supportive workplace, and loving families and friends in their lives. A MUST-SEE, "Stranger at the Gate" drives home the message that hate kills while love heals, and is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and empathy.

jfastarchitect

Well done! BRAVO

Fantastic story everyone should see. It is an inspiring and uplifting movie that gives you a wonderful feeling inside. The lesson you take away from the film is that warmth and affection is contagious, by being nice to anyone even if they are strangers or family brings out the good in people. Not all movies have a happy ending but this one brings a smile to your face and hope for all humanity. It is a true story about an ex marine and his struggle to find a place in society as well as deal with shell shock form his many tour of duties. This film is a must see don't miss it and tell all your friends and family too.

8PedroPires90

Great

Surprised by these ratings. I know it won't win - the elephants will and I will be happy with it - but this is my favorite of the 5 short docs at these Oscars.

As someone who loves narrative stuff, loves character arcs, and redemption stories, this is clearly a winner. I didn't know about this story or this man. I don't even know if all of this is true. I know that how this was told and edited, did convince me and it touched me.

Of course, I wanted to hate this man. What he planned to do is unspeakable. Of course, he was racist. But...have I ever been on his feet? Did I have his childhood, his teenage years, fighting and killing at war? No. And I would bet all my money that neither 99.9% of the haters here.

In a black or white world - I hate social media and what it made to us, beings with zero nuance - only dialogue and understanding can guarantee that this planet will be destroyed by itself and not by us very soon.

9jpismyname

The world needs more kindness

The documentary is about Mac McKinney, a former Marine who struggled with PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He developed hatred towards the Islam community. This film tells his journey from hatred towards understanding and compassion.

Really a chilling short documentary. The people he intended to kill would save not just his life, but also his soul. I just thought maybe the film could've been a bit longer, I dunno. But overall I find it riveting.

People, and I also mean the whole world, needs to see this. Love and kindness are the cure for all these hatred going on in this crazy world.

Trivia
In a 2023 interview with AwardsWatch, Joshua Seftel described showing the finished film for the first time at the Islamic Center of Muncie, where the film was shot: "We set up a screening in the basement of the Islamic Center and I didn't know what people were going to think, if they were going to like it, if they were going to hate it, and about 80 people showed up. We showed the film and when it was done, the lights came on and I was like, 'Ok, what's this gonna be' and someone stood up in the back and he raised his hand and he said, 'I just want to say that I believe every American needs to watch this film'. First of all, I was relieved that they liked it, but I also felt like, 'Yeah, now this is my burden, this is my obligation to make sure that every American sees this film' because I think it does have a message in it and a power in the story that has the ability to change hearts and minds and change the way people think about Muslims, but also the way that people might think about the division between us and the possibility of building bridges where it might seem impossible."