Stray Dolls

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.

Never mind the 'unnecessary' phony high reviews and lame smh "you can tell this movie is bad just by the cover photo" low ones. As a critic with over 900 reviews and 1000 ratings (click my username), I will explain why this film is a gem and undeserving of the current 5.4 IMDb rating. I was going to pass on this one because of the low rating, but after seeing the trailer, and reading praise from 'professional' critics from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Hollywood Reporter, I gave it a viewing. Wow is all I can say.

For starters, it's no big budget Hollywood blockbuster with A-list actors put together by seasoned filmmakers - you can't compare this film that way. Instead, it's a low budget indie film by newb up-and-coming filmmakers. Writer, director and producer Sonejuhi Sinha makes her first full-length feature film debut with Stray Dolls, previous experience being only three short films. Her writing, alongside novice producer and writer Charlotte Rabate - who also makes her full-length feature film debut with this film, came up with a gritty crime thriller story that primarily takes place in a seedy motel. Although the narrative never really explodes, this crime thriller story is still gritty, suspenseful, emotionally driven and with an unexpected natural tone and profound sense of realism. I'm not a fan of slow paced films, but when each scene is relevant to the story, and isn't long and dragged out, time flies as you're constantly engulfed in the plot. The 97 min run-time was perfect. The directing was spot on with excellent cinematography especially with the color tones in the night-time environment. The seedy motel sets were on point in setting the stage for America's frayed social fabric chasing the American dream. The casting was decent with convincing performances from DeJonge and Thapa as disenfranchised young women determined to seize control of their lives on their own terms. For a B-grade film, the score was surprisingly very fitting, appropriate at the right scenes, and mended well with the well-chosen soundtracks.

Mad respect and props to Sonejuhi Sinha and her entire cast and production team in putting together such a gem. Sinha is certainly one to watch as an up-and-coming filmmaker. It's a well deserved and honest 9/10 from me.

Not sure why the reviews are so mixed but I found this surprisingly gripping and a fun ride. The leads are unusual and captivating, especially Riz, who really draws you in. Dallas and Riz have an electric chemistry that really starts to cook by half way through. The plot has some unusual twists and surprises that heats up by the third act. I was hooked and recommend it both as a fun watch and maybe even something that sticks with you a little longer than the usual thriller.