The Strays (2023) Movie Review

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The Strays – Movie Review

Director: Nathaniel Martello-White

Writer: Nathaniel Martello-White (Screenplay)

Cast

Ashley Madekwe (Monolith)
Bukky Bakray (Rocks)
Maria Almeida (Pretty Red Dress)
Jorden Myrie (Dancing in the Dark)
Justin Salinger (Everest)

Plot: A Black woman’s meticulously crafted life of privilege starts to unravel when two strangers show up in her quaint suburban town.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Strays starts when struggling to make ends meet woman Cheryl (Madekwe) decides to leave her life behind her. Years later, she has become Neve living a privileged life with a new family. Neve is married to Ian (Salinger) and has two children Sebastian (Small) and Mary (Almeida). She is well respected in the neighbourhood and community.

One day, Neve starts seeing two strangers around the town. She starts to believe that her past has come back to haunt her as the figures seem similar. Carl (Myrie) and Dione/Abigail (Bukray) have arrived in the town to search for Cheryl.

Verdict on The Strays

The Strays is a thriller following a woman who left her previous life behind, only for it to start to catch up with her. It follows her perfect life comes crumbling down as two strangers find a way into her life.

This is an impressive thriller that feels like inspiration came from Jordan Peele’s Us. However, this does keep things on a more human level for the sudden appearance. It tackles a lot more serious subjects while reflecting on a question. The film is split into chapters, that let different moments unfold from different points of view. This helps add an edge to everything we are seeing.

Ashley Madekwe in the leading role is brilliant, she shows the woman seeing her life unfold. Jorden Myrie and Bukky Bakray bring an excellent range for their performances. This ends up being a tense thriller filled with unexpected consequences for one decision.

Where to Watch: The Strays is available on Netflix Now.

Final Thoughts – The Strays is an intense uneasy thriller.