The Strange Ones

The movie's gravity pulled me in and I enjoyed the slow-burn pacing and indirect ways the story revealed itself. By the end however I had just as many questions as answers and while some reviewers obviously have enjoyed their own deconstructive interpretations, I just think the creators should have been more clear.

Greetings again from the darkness. Having been well received at film festivals throughout 2017, this film is journey of patience for both the characters and its viewers. Co-directors Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein have expanded their 2011 short film into their first feature length film, and though some evidence of 'stretching' is present, so is a somber, moody style that provides an interesting look and feel.

It's more mysterious and atmospheric than it is thriller, and at times it even has a "Twilight Zone" vibe. Nick (Alex Pettyfer) and Sam (James Freedson-Jackson) are traveling together as brothers, though we never really believe they are related. An impending dread hovers around each move they make, and the film tortures/teases us with unspecified relationships and connections. Nick and Sam are semi-desperate and clearly on the run, yet it's not until the end when things somewhat come together.

Young Freedson-Jackson is the key to the film, and his facial reactions are critical. His astounding blank stares seem to hold meaning. It's a bleak film with a gloomy tone, and while I'm all for slow and deliberate story-telling, the technique is usually more effective when there is a reason for it. This is a deep cut indie that lacks mass appeal, but for those patient enough to commit, the supernatural aura will likely keep you engaged for the run time.

It was so good to see Alex Pettyfer trying something different in his career! His presence was so strong in this film, I would really love to see him make more movies like this. Really liked it :)

Prepare to be perplexed. I don't know what I watched, but it was well played. I may have to re-watch it a couple of times to bend my mind around what is happening in the story. It's surely confounding, but it doesn't feel like a mind-trip. It nags on me as if, perhaps, I wasn't following closely enough and missed important plot artifacts.

This one firmly classifies as a psychological thriller, it is far more cerebral than action-oriented and it's not suited for lazy popcorn viewing. It's strongly atmospheric and leads the viewer questioning what is real, imaginary or a dream. The film nods at several interpretations of events.

The run time seems short, and I've read elsewhere online that this movie is based off of a short film, a possibility that does makes sense. One element I found distracting is how much Pettyfer resembles Ryan Phillipe both in appearance and mannerism, it's like Phillipe was deliberately channeled.

I may change my rating following subsequent viewing. I suggest watching a trailer or two before deciding if this film thrills you or kills you.

(No spoilers -- this is intended to be vague because you really want to watch this one and get your perspective from it)

I know the critics seem to be heavy on this one and many who have reviewed this movie either love it or somewhat don't know what to say. Let me help those who would rather watch movies with not so easy plots and scene sequences to guide you through the story/narrative.

I will start by saying this movie hits well on mystery and/or unanswered questions. If you want the normal thrills that easily hand you the plot from start to finish you will probably not take so well to this one.

I love the beautiful scenes of somber to horrific type footage. The story and plot was woven into those scenes very methodically so to not give you a linear way of grasping the whole of the movie. They should make more like this. The directors and actors were on point. Casting could NOT have been better....no big time stars to overshadow the story -- just some good old original creativity. Watch this movie with your mind on...not off.