Stray Dolls

Olivia, you really need to work on your 'Sutherrrrn' drahhhhl'. As a fellow Aussie, a totally unconvincing Southern US accent was enough for me to abandon this movie. Shame, as it looks like an otherwise terrific film.

The story centers around two girls trying to escape the cycle of crime and poverty. The movie does a good job portraying the sense of despair. American dream is just an illusion and in some ways a trap. At times both girls appear sympathetic, but their actions are inexcusable. In the end, they dig themselves into much deeper hole out of which there's no escape.

A darker version of Thelma & Louise. Solid acting from the main characters. The plot is flat at some instances but finishes strong.

Stray Dolls is a crime thriller that follows Riz (portrayed by Geetanjali Thapa), an Indian immigrant who comes to America to live the American Dream. She gets a job as a maid at a hotel and becomes roommates with Dallas (portrayed by Olivia DeJonge). The film then follows Riz and Dallas as they try to create a plan to get some money and leave the hotel to start off somewhere new.

This film has a lot of important elements to it. One thing I really thought was different is the film shows how immigrants are taken advantage of and used. Riz is consistently used by everyone she meets without noticing it. I also thought that Riz's character was pretty likable despite some questionable and illegal actions she takes.

However, I think the film lacks a few things. The acting by everyone other than Riz is kinda bad. The film really fails to explore another individual that Riz and Dallas come across at the hotel. And I thought the ending of the film was not great as it left unanswered questions but not in the way where it's a thought provoking.

For these reasons I would give the film a 4/10.

My wife and I gave this film a go even though the ratings were low 4s and we're both glad we did! The story, acting, direction and cinematography were all at a very high standard. My wife and I both gave this a well earned 6/10 and advise you to ignore the low scores it's a very good independent movie that we both recomend.