The Strays - A Movie Review

Netflix viewers were left gripping their seats with the release of the homegrown thriller I Came By in August, as it offered a dark and timely tale of societal divisions. The movie marked the start of Netflix's new UK movie lineup, and The Strays lives up to that promise.

Directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, who previously appeared in I Hate Suzie, The Strays is his feature directorial debut. He heard a tale about a biracial mother who left her children to start a new life and took it to horrifying extremes, making it into a feature-length movie. The story follows Neve (played by Ashley Madekwe), a seemingly perfect mother living in the suburbs with her husband and two children. She's a deputy head at the local private school, planning a charity gala, and living the dream life. But her perfect life is about to be turned upside down when she starts to suspect that two shadowy figures are stalking her.

The movie plays with the timeline, the protagonist, and even tone, with four distinct segments that take the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The first segment, 'Neve,' plays out like a horror movie, with Neve being stalked by mysterious figures. The audience is left wondering if these figures are real or a figment of her imagination. The section ends with an explosive revelation, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie then switches gear to a more coming-of-age feel in the second segment, with the game the movie is playing on viewers becoming apparent.

Martello-White's script is nuanced and layered, offering no easy answers. The leading trio of characters are well developed, and the audience's allegiances switch throughout the movie. By the end, it's unclear who is in the right, if anybody is. Combined with the storytelling shifts, the movie leaves viewers feeling off-kilter and totally absorbed. The movie's effectiveness is also due to the excellent performances of its leading actors. Ashley Madekwe subtly conveys the struggles behind Neve's perfect facade, while Jorden Myrie and Bukky Bakray effortlessly switch from endearing to terrifying and back again within a single scene.

The final act brings everyone together, ramping up the tension to almost unbearable levels. It's a fittingly unpredictable climax that's capped with a dark flourish. Some viewers might find the ending a bit too abrupt, and the supporting cast isn't fleshed out as well as the leading trio. However, the movie's ability to deliver thrills and leave viewers with plenty to chew over more than makes up for these slight flaws.

The Strays explores themes of code-switching and colorism, among others, and is not afraid to challenge viewers' perceptions. The movie is a bold addition to Netflix's UK movie lineup and is a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping thriller that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

The Strays is a film that keeps you guessing, right up until its climactic ending. It's a story that challenges expectations and doesn't shy away from difficult themes. From the very beginning, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, with its unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere. The opening section, 'Neve', is particularly effective in this regard, with its horror-like tone and sense of unease.

But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that The Strays is much more than just a horror movie. It's a nuanced exploration of complex themes like code-switching, colourism, and motherhood. The film's structure, with its four distinct segments, allows for a deep dive into each of these themes, while also keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story.

One of the film's strengths is its trio of lead actors, who deliver powerful and nuanced performances. Ashley Madekwe is particularly impressive as Neve, conveying the character's struggles and complexities with subtlety and nuance. Jorden Myrie and Bukky Bakray are equally strong in their roles, bringing a depth and complexity to their characters that adds to the film's overall impact.

The film's climactic ending is nothing short of astonishing, ramping up the tension to almost unbearable levels. Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that the film's final act is a fitting conclusion to the story, capped off with a dark flourish that will leave you thinking about the film long after the credits have rolled.

Of course, no film is perfect, and The Strays is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find that the film ends a bit too abruptly, or that its supporting cast is not fleshed out as much as its lead trio. However, when a film delivers the kind of thrills and thought-provoking storytelling that The Strays does, it's easy to forgive these minor flaws and get lost in the film's world.

Overall, The Strays is a remarkable achievement, and a testament to the strength and creativity of the UK film industry. With its gripping story, complex themes, and outstanding performances, it's a film that deserves to be seen and celebrated. If you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers that challenge your expectations, then The Strays is definitely worth checking out.

Throughout the film, The Strays takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions as they try to piece together the truth about Neve and the mysterious figures stalking her. The film's complex structure, combined with its masterful performances and thought-provoking themes, make it a standout addition to Netflix's growing library of UK films.

At its core, The Strays is a gripping exploration of the masks we wear to fit in and the price we pay for denying our true selves. Neve's struggles with code-switching and colourism will resonate with many viewers, as will the film's examination of class and privilege. Martello-White's skillful direction and storytelling ensure that these weighty themes never feel heavy-handed, and the film's twists and turns will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Despite its relatively short runtime, The Strays packs a powerful punch. Its final act is nothing short of astonishing, delivering a climax that is as unpredictable as it is satisfying. While some viewers may find the film's ending abrupt and its supporting cast underdeveloped, these minor flaws are more than compensated for by the film's gripping storyline and top-notch performances.

All in all, The Strays is a must-see film for fans of suspenseful, thought-provoking thrillers. With its stellar cast, expert direction, and unforgettable story, it's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of UK cinema or simply looking for your next great Netflix binge, The Strays is not to be missed.

Additionally, The Strays marks an auspicious start to Netflix's new crop of UK movies, and its success is a testament to the streaming giant's investment in local talent. The film showcases the depth and diversity of UK filmmaking, and it's exciting to see Netflix giving a platform to up-and-coming filmmakers like Nathaniel Martello-White.

Moreover, The Strays is a prime example of how genre filmmaking can be used to explore important social issues. By blending elements of horror and coming-of-age drama, the film creates a unique and impactful viewing experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its exploration of code-switching and colourism is especially timely and relevant, and it's encouraging to see filmmakers using their craft to start important conversations.

In conclusion, The Strays is a must-watch film that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. Its gripping storyline, top-notch performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to Netflix's library of UK movies. Nathaniel Martello-White's directorial debut is a triumph, and we can only hope that it's the first of many great films to come from this talented filmmaker. If you're in the mood for a suspenseful, emotionally resonant thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than The Strays.