The Stranger (2022)

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1. 

   Siskoid

   We're well used to undercover operations based on true stories - how they go, how they're told, and so forth. The Stranger, while still a true story, is kind of the opposite in premise. Instead of a cop infiltrating a criminal gang, the cops pose as a criminal gang to get close to a lone suspect so they can get his trust and learn when he's hidden a body. It's real Mission: Impossible stuff! It also doesn't do that thing biopics/true stories so often do, force-feeding the facts to the audience, having characters make speeches about what's happening and how they feel, and end on info-cards that tell you how it all worked out. Instead, what's happening is a slowly developing mystery (not always successful in its disjointed achronology, at least at first, but it all dawns on you eventually) helped along by more procedural cut-aways, and what anyone is thinking is all done through acting and reacting to situations. Sean Harris (the suspect) and Joel Edgerton (the cop who befriends him) are more than up to the challenge and give excellent, subtle performances. Given the nature of the crime, it could also have been a lot more exploitative, but it's rather respectful of the events and victims instead. Some will find it slower than they'd like - it's definitely not one of those movies you can have on in the background and still easily follow - but for me, it avoided all the things that turn me off so-called "true stories" as told in cinema. 2 years 2 months ago
2. 

   acoltismypassport

   A haunting slow burner, drawing out like a hot knife to the conclusion.
   
   Incredibly well done. 1 year 11 months ago
3. 

   BLJNBrouwer

   "I'm the black sheep of the family, mate." 1 year 11 months ago

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