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Productstar 5.0
The Righteous
This film is a wild ride that dives into the darker side of human nature. You'll meet complex characters and be left wondering about the choices they make. It's a real emotional rollercoaster that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
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A Thrilling Ride: 'The Stranger' Will Leave You Hooked
summarizeEditor's Summary
This Canadian black-and-white thriller hooked me from the start. I'm talking Alfred Hitchcock-style suspense, with a gripping storyline, impressive direction, and standout performances. Mark O'Brien's talent shines through in both acting and writing, making this film a rare gem. While some might find the pacing a bit slow, the payoff is well worth it. With its unique atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, 'The Stranger' is a thrilling ride that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.
settingsSpecifications
Drama8/10
Dizayn8/10
Kalite9/10
Mysteri8/10
VerdictMükemmel
Oyunculuk9/10
Görüntü9/10
Yönetmenlik9/10
KarakterGeliştirme9/10
A Thrilling Ride: 'The Stranger' Will Leave You Hooked
Hello fellow movie lovers!
I've got to admit, it's not every day I come across a black-and-white film from the 21st century that really grabs my attention, but 'The Stranger' is definitely an exception. Released in June 2022, this Canadian mystical thriller had me hooked from the very start.
The direction, the conversations between characters - everything in this film was spot on. I'm not just mentioning this because it reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's style, but because it's a genuine reflection of the film's tone and atmosphere.
'The Stranger' is also known as 'The Righteous', and it's a rare case where one talented individual has made a high-quality film with a deep meaning. Mark O'Brien, the actor who starred in the film, also wrote the screenplay himself. That's what makes this film so impressive.
The plot unfolds in a remote small town shrouded in white mist and black tragedy. A family tragedy sets off a chain of events that leaves the main character, Frederick, in a state of turmoil. A conversation with a priest leaves him with a bitter taste and uncertainty about what to do with his life next. But it seems like someone has plans for Frederick's life, and one night a stranger appears at his doorstep in a strange way, asking for help from the elderly and grieving people...
This isn't your typical horror movie with loads of gory scenes and violent acts. Nope! 'The Stranger' is meant for reflection, not just to shock you. It's a calm, visually stunning movie with deep, thought-provoking dialogue that'll tug at your heartstrings. If you believe in God, you'll appreciate it even more. If not, feel free to skip it – there's no horror to be found here.
'The Stranger' checks all three boxes: thriller, drama, and mystery. And it delivers. The mystery is woven throughout, masterfully manipulating the main plot to create a chilling psychological experience.
The drama is at the core, tackling the complexities of human lives and not just presenting a superficial glimpse into the characters' world. The story takes a dramatic turn, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
The thriller aspect takes a sharp turn, expertly shifting the narrative before seamlessly blending back into drama. Overall, this movie will captivate you with its tense atmosphere.
The cast is top-notch and perfectly chosen. All characters are well-developed, interesting, and deep. You genuinely feel a connection to each of them, and by the end of the film, you're invested in their fate.
One of the lead roles goes to Henry Czerny, who's appeared in many TV shows and movies, including the soap opera 'Revenge' (2011-2014), the action film 'Mission: Impossible' (1996), and 'Ghost Whisperer' (2005-2010). He plays a priest who, due to one reason, refuses to be one and leads a secluded life, but Frederick is constantly struggling with himself. His past sins are clearly holding him back from living a peaceful life, and he's torn, uncertain, and suffering (even though he appears to be a calm person on the surface). I liked this character - he's like a representation of each of us (which is why Frederick was likable to me).
The second central character goes to the film's director himself, Mark O'Brian, who's an intriguing person. Enigmatic, authoritative, and slightly eccentric. I'd confidently call him a futuristic character who appears out of nowhere and skillfully manipulates people's fates. I recommend taking a closer look at Aaron - he's got a lot of secrets up his sleeve, and that's what makes the entire film's sense.
There are three secondary characters, with the first being Frederick's wife, Ethel - a kind and patient woman. The second is a priest and Frederick's friend, Graham, and the third is Doris, about whom I won't say much, or it'll spoil the show. However, I do recommend paying attention to her. Although her role is relatively minor, it's crucial!
But let's be real, the scares are pretty much nonexistent. There are a few creepy moments that tie together the three genres, but they won't leave you sleeping with the lights on – and why would you want to? This isn't a horror movie, after all, but a dramatic thriller with a dash of mysticism.
Location is gorgeous, and the black-and-white tones really bring out the beauty of the landscape. And that's exactly what happens here – the film was shot in Canada, but I couldn't find any more info on that.
By the way, the thriller 'The Righteous' has already won 7 awards and 11 nominations, including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Director.
The film clocks in at 1 hour and 37 minutes.
The final act really got me hooked, it's mysterious, it's got that film noir vibe, and it leaves you thinking about it long after the credits roll. The ending is a real twist, one that I loved. Considering this is a film noir thriller, the final act is the icing on the cake. I'm sure it'll leave a lasting impression on many viewers.
So, what made 'The Stranger' stand out to me?
Its engaging and intriguing storyline.The talented cast, they really delivered an amazing ensemble performance.The film has depth, and I think everyone will find their own 'demons' in it.Who would I recommend it to?
Fans of films that explore religious themes, those who enjoy dramas and thrillers will love it. It's definitely a late-night watch, and I think it's suitable for viewers over 20.
I'll be giving 'The Stranger' 5 stars, it's definitely going to stay with me for a while. I'll be rewatching it in the future.
Thanks for reading, and until next review!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the plot of 'The Stranger'?
The film follows Frederick, a man struggling to come to terms with a family tragedy. As he navigates a complex web of relationships and suspense, he begins to question his own identity and purpose.
Who wrote and starred in 'The Stranger'?
Mark O'Brien wrote and starred in 'The Stranger', making this film a rare gem where one talented individual has made a high-quality film with a deep meaning.
What's the film's atmosphere and mood like?
The film's atmosphere and mood are unique and thought-provoking, with a perfect blend of black-and-white visuals and natural lighting. The musical score is haunting and effective, adding to the film's tension and emotion.
Is 'The Stranger' a slow-paced film?
Yes, some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the first act. However, the payoff is well worth it, with a thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll.
Is 'The Stranger' a must-watch for fans of Alfred Hitchcock-style suspense?
Absolutely. With its gripping storyline, impressive direction, and standout performances, 'The Stranger' is a must-watch for fans of Alfred Hitchcock-style suspense.
What's the film's budget?
The film's budget is relatively low, but the filmmakers made the most of what they had.
Is 'The Stranger' a thought-provoking film?
Yes, 'The Stranger' is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the human condition. With its unique atmosphere and mood, it's a film that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.
Can I watch 'The Stranger' on streaming platforms?
Yes, 'The Stranger' is available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime and Netflix.
check_circlePros
- •The cast delivers outstanding performances, particularly Mark O'Brien, who shines in both acting and writing.
- •The film's direction is top-notch, with a keen eye for atmosphere and suspense.
- •The cinematography is stunning, with a perfect blend of black-and-white visuals and natural lighting.
- •The musical score is haunting and effective, adding to the film's tension and emotion.
- •The storyline is expertly woven, with a complex web of relationships and suspense that keeps you guessing.
- •The film's themes and atmosphere are unique and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for fans of suspense.
cancelCons
- •Some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the first act.
- •The film's themes and atmosphere may not be to everyone's taste, particularly those who prefer more lighthearted content.
- •The lack of color might be a drawback for some, but it actually adds to the film's unique atmosphere and mood.
- •The film's runtime is a bit on the longer side, but it's well worth the investment of time.
- •Some viewers might find the film's ending a bit ambiguous, but it's actually a clever play on the themes and atmosphere.
- •The film's budget is relatively low, but the filmmakers made the most of what they had.
