The Stranger

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.

The most noticeable thing about this slow-burn Aussie crime drama is how it tonally wavers yet never loosens its chokehold on the viewers. There were moments where I thought The Stranger was going to take a psychological horror route, but then it's quick to revert to its drama-thriller backdrop. The first act doesn't give away a lot, with both Edgerton and Harris coming across as strangers we're trying to dissect.

I thought the film came into form in the second act, when some secrets begin to unfurl. As opposed to the sketch we get of his character (by way of the investigation scenes), Sean Harris puts up a restrained performance that is strangely satisfying and gets under your skin. Edgerton is also really good, but I'd say the film scores when the spotlight is on Harris.

It's a slow-burn thriller which discusses violence but rarely shows it. Most of the details (and reveals) are expository in nature, so it'd totally depend on whether you enjoy films that pick the non-scenic route. I'm pretty sure Kate Kyriacou's book which the film bases itself on, is incredible to read.

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".

Very dark and gritty. Slow paced, psychological tension built up to a point where I was rly unnerved and uncomfortable, in an awesome way.

Glad I saw and listened to that one review, which advised not to look much further into more reviews that might give away too much. So going into it knowing almost nothing is what I recommend as well.

The shots, the minimalistic dark OST, the pace it all fit very well together.

At moments it felt way too real and I could empathize a lot with some of the characters.

Being intentionally very vague, and won't get into the story for the aforementioned reason. I will recommend this movie to some of my friends, especially those who I know share my passion for slow, dark and gritty non-flashy movies, that make you feel you need a goddamn beer to deal with the induced anxiety, after viewing it. Have fun!

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.