Cast
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Alex Pettyfer
as Nick
James Freedson-Jackson
as Sam
Marin Ireland
as Crystal
Cindy Cheung
as Sarah's Mother
Melanie Nicholls-King
as Detective Reynolds
Gene Jones
as Gary
Owen Campbell
as Luke
Emily Althaus
as Kelly
Laurent Rejto
as Man in Truck
Will Blomker
as Robert
Tobias Campbell
as Jeremiah
Allen Fawcett
as Rest Stop Attendant
Cliff Ferraro
as Cop
Betsy Holt
as Diner Waitress
Birgit Huppuch
as Dr. Faller
Crew
Director
- Lauren Wolkstein
- Christopher Radcliff
Writer
- Christopher Radcliff
Producer
- Eric Schultz
- Shani Geva
- Sébastien Aubert
- Michael Prall
- Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Strange Ones examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lauren Wolkstein brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Strange Ones took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 802 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Strange Ones shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bangkok Dangerous, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Strange Ones subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Wrong Turn 2: Dead End and Thick Skinned explore similar territory, The Strange Ones stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 5, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
