UNLEASHES SHIVERS
Movie Review – The Stranger
Review by Ray Schillaci
There is such a glut of original films from so many streaming services it’s hard at times to keep up with all the content made available. There’s also an abundance of mindless junk as well. Once in a while, one stands out above the rest. Such is the case with Netflix’s The Stranger. Director Thomas M. Wright, with only his second feature under his belt, has devised an elaborate nail-biter of a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the credits roll with a fierce and creepy performance by Sean Harris as Henry Teague and an arresting portrayal of Mark Frame by Joel Edgarton in this riveting drama based on a true story.
There are so many twists and turns in this tawdry tale it is best going in knowing as little as possible. Other reviews and people relaying their own take on the film will reduce the insane impact this movie will have on you. That is why I am going to try and tell you as little as possible. I know the term “Must See Movie” is over used, but here is the exception and you will know from the moment it starts to the gripping end.
Two men who might have seen better days meet on a long bus ride. You would not want to meet either one in a dark alley. Yet, Paul Emery strikes up a friendship with Henry Teague and gains his confidence and his sympathy. Paul, getting the feeling that Henry is an ex-con, offers him low level work in the criminal organization that he works for. Henry is agreeable with one exception, “I don’t do violence.” Paul reassures him it will not go that far.
From there, Paul introduces Henry to his associate Mark Frame, a man nowhere near as friendly as Paul. Paul has also been told by the organization to leave the country because of a great deal of trouble he has caused. Paul, hesitant, takes Henry aside and tells him to trust Mark and the organization, they will take care of him as long as he remains loyal and honest with them. By now most people would be heading out the door. But, Henry has nowhere to go and feels like Paul would not do him wrong.
Mark ushers Henry into jobs that need to be done. All the while Henry reminds him, he doesn’t do violence. This doesn’t seem to matter to Mark. As the risk of the jobs escalate, Mark becomes Henry’s mentor. Mark is not exactly comfortable with that because Henry is so edgy and freaks him out at times.
What happens afterwards is a shock to the system and I was left mesmerized by everyone’s performance. Do not let anybody tell you anything more about this arresting thriller. In fact, do yourself a favor and do not read Netflix’s description of the film. I went in only knowing that it was one of Netflix’s most underrated films and incredibly intense until the very end. My God, did they deliver.
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
Directed by: Thomas M. Wright
Release Date: October 19, 2022
Rated: TV-MA
Run Time: 117 Minutes
Country: Australia
Distributor: Netflix
