The divisions that separate people are often smaller than we realize. While we tend to focus on our divisions, the walls come down when we see how someone fits in our lives. But they can just as quickly swing back up if things don’t go as expected. Those themes are a big part of We Strangers, a new film that opens in limited release Friday.
The film comes from Anu Valia and is based on her own childhood experiences in Gary, Indiana, where the film is set. The film has played the festival circuit, being an official selection at SXSW in 2024. Now, it’s set to release to wider audiences.
What is We Strangers about?
The film focuses on Ray (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who is serving as a cleaning woman for the Patel family, led by Mr. Patel (Hari Dhillon). Soon, she is approached by a nosy neighbor, Jean (Maria Dizzia), who wants her to work at their home as well. While on the job, she creates another special skill.
This intrigues Jean, who soon wants to see it in action. Trapped by the lie, Ray leans into her story. It soon makes her an object of intrigue and fascination for Jean, Patel’s wife Tracy (Sarah Goldberg), and the rest of their friends. But can Ray keep it up.
In addition to spinning a web at work, Ray is dealing with issues surrounding her mother (Tina Lifford) and sister (Kara Young). As things take an unexpected turn with Tracy and her daughter (Mischa Reddy), Ray begins to feel the squeeze in all areas of her life.
We Strangers review: A good idea that doesn't fully come together
This is a short film, clocking in at just about 80 minutes. It’s a quick character study of this world and the people that populate it. You can see in places the personal connection for Valia, but it doesn’t always result in something complete and compelling when it comes to this film.
Howell-Baptiste gives a nice performance and has a few showcase moments in the role. But most of the characters, as well as the overall plot, is too thinly drawn. That makes the main action and the third act feel abrupt at times. It’s also not clear what conclusions are meant to be drawn from this story.
We Strangers has connected with festival audiences. Those interested in the subject might feel more of a connection to the characters as it bows in theaters. I thought it was an interesting Idea with some good moments that doesn’t all come together in the end.
We Strangers opens in limited release on Friday, August 22. It lands on VOD on Tuesday, Sept. 9.