The Stranger

Two strangers strike up a conversation on a long journey. One is a suspect in an unsolved missing person’s case and the other an undercover operative on his trail. Their uneasy friendship becomes the core of this tightly wrought thriller, which is based on the true story of one of the largest investigations and undercover operations in Australia.

  • Released: 2022-10-06
  • Runtime: 117 minutes
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
  • Stars: Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Jada Alberts, Fletcher Humphrys, Mike Foenander, Steve Mouzakis, Simon Elrahi, Alan Dukes, Ewen Leslie, Matthew Sunderland, Lucinda Nicholas, Peta Shannon, Thibul Nettle, Melanie Munt, Anni Finsterer, Patty Glavieux, Adam Morgan, Stephen Leeder, Andreas Sobik, Nick Buckland
  • Director: Thomas M. Wright
 Comments
  • emilpytlik - 12 April 2024
    Good but forgettable
    Intriguing, because its about catching a killer. But i felt it didnt show much of Henry's nature. Granted, there were a couple scenes that showed his more unhindged side. And they did show him slowly open up, and close back down when spooked.

    But i felt his character was elusive. Maybe that's how it would be in real life? No emotion, absent?

    I felt they didn't show much of the police's actual techniques either, and so: i was hooked but constantly felt i was waiting for something that didn't come.

    The motive of Mark's son also added nothing, really

    It was interesting to see this is how criminals are sometimes taken down. A good movie, but rather unmemorable with no takeaway?
  • sossolapro - 30 October 2023
    Neat, powerful, very human...
    Such a powerful movie. It is perfectly slow and stressful. The actors are brilliant, their dialogues so neat and human. Knowing that it is based on a true story, it makes me realise what an incredible job the police did there. It is subtle, smart. It is not one of those brilliant-criminal genius-cop unrealistic hollywood blockbusters. I loved it. The two main actors had so much depth and were so convincing, but the supporting cast was also brilliant, with some unexplained glances, stutters and details (not Hollywood ones). The demanding, harrowing movie that the story behind probably deserved.
  • kylabremner-22809 - 12 June 2023
    Incredible acting, incredible film
    Without knowing the true crime this film is based on, I can understand how some of the emotional impact of this film would be lost. Almost every Australian is familiar with the long-running missing person case this film was based on: the disappearance of a beautiful boy, incredibly loved, a twin, his tenacious family, and the masterful police work that put the killer in prison. This film is a testament to the police who didn't give up and stood by the family to eventually get whatever counts as justice. It reminds me slightly of The Boys, also based on another Australian famous but horrific murder. This one is less disturbing to watch, if you can believe it. The acting is phenomenal. The dedication of the police is what stands out for me. A genius sting. An incredible film.
  • elvin_queen78 - 18 December 2022
    Starkly accurate
    Sean Harris' portrayal of a monster was spot on. Why does such talent fly under the radar..?

    It's usually difficult to see the raw and bold story of circumstances surrounding a horrific crime like this one, but they told it well.

    I'm from the part of the world where this happened and it was like our own child was taken, the nation mourned. And there's now a 'No child left behind' policy so kids don't ever get driven past or refused entry to buses if they don't have the fare. . Joel's portrayal of the nightmares of having to force yourself to get/be close to such a monster was incredibly believable too so I can see why the reviews were favourable, but I still think Sean's starkly accurate portrayal of the monster was very much overlooked.
  • wannadanzma - 8 December 2022
    A captivating movie
    Joel Edgerton only gets better!

    I watch all of his movies. He's no super hero or even that handsome (sorry Joel). He just excels in acting.

    He is a true actor and can play any role. I believe he will match any great, Hollywood actor. Watch this space.

    I like that he isn't playing a hunk and there's no seedy scenes. It's very individual.

    You can feel the grit in the locations. Not pleasant but real.

    This movie needed to have a slower pace to create the anticipation. So hang in.

    Great acting by all (and I'm not a big fan of Aussie movies!)

    It's a great story and demonstrates the diligence of under cover police officers Loved it!
  • elidav - 17 November 2022
    Upsetting subject matter but a hell of a film !
    Solid acting performances from all but upsetting subject matter so be aware before you start watching as though a slow burner you will be hooked till the end as I was !

    Top marks to the director also who has learned the skills of the masters well .

    Not wanting to leave any spoilers it has an incredible build up at the end and will make your heart pound as the last minutes of the film play out

    Solid acting performances from all but upsetting subject matter so be aware before you start watching as though a slow burner you will be hooked till the end as I was !

    Top marks to the director also who has learned the skills of the masters well .

    Not wanting to leave any spoilers it has an incredible build up at the end and will make your heart pound as the last minutes of the film play out.
  • tigerkid1 - 10 November 2022
    Excellent
    The movie of the year on Netflix. I saw the film Sunday, than I repeated it Monday. All day I waited when I can see it again.

    When I first watched it, it took me a while to grasp the situation.

    Although we may feel oppressed by the situation, the catharsis in the end is all the better.

    Mainly the two protagonists carried the production on their backs, and their relationship determined the mood of the film.

    The choice of music is also excellent!

    Excellent acting work, good script!

    I hope to see more of the same on Neflix!

    After that, I read the true story on Wikipedia, so I only found out later that it was based on a true story.