Watch A Stray

A Stray is a 2016 independent drama film directed and written by Musa Syeed, set in Minneapolis, USA. The movie premiered at the South by Southwest festival and was internationally shown at various film festivals. The film follows the story of Adan (Barkhad Abdirahman), a young Somali refugee who has recently arrived in Minneapolis. He is struggling to find work and a place to live. After being kicked out of his apartment, Adan wanders around the city streets and finds a stray dog.

At first, Adan is hesitant to keep the dog because of his Muslim faith, which forbids him from touching dogs. However, as he spends more time with the dog, he becomes attached to it and decides to keep it. This decision sets Adan on a journey of self-discovery, as he navigates the challenges of his new life and seeks redemption from his troubled past.

The performance of Barkhad Abdirahman as Adan is praiseworthy. He portrays Adan's vulnerability and inner conflict beautifully. The struggles of immigrants in America have been shown in the movie in a very authentic and genuine way.

Fathia Absie plays Khadija, Adan's mother, who is shown to be unwell and struggling with her own problems. Faysal Ahmed plays Adan's friend, who is also dealing with his own set of problems. Both these supporting actors have done an excellent job and bring depth to their characters.

The movie has been shot beautifully, and the scenes depicting the city of Minneapolis are stunning. The contrast between the city's bright lights and Adan's struggle to survive in the shadows is captured beautifully.

One of the best things about this movie is the way it handles cultural differences. Adan's character is shown to follow his religion strictly, and his conflict with the stray dog is a result of his faith. However, the movie does not demonize his beliefs but rather shows them as a part of his identity. This approach is refreshing and welcomes understanding instead of controversy.

The theme of redemption is strong in the movie. Adan is given the chance to redeem himself and find a sense of belonging through his relationship with the dog. This relationship is shown to be a source of comfort and happiness for Adan during the tough times he faces in the movie.

The film also deals with the issues of homelessness and poverty in America, and how difficult it can be to navigate the system even for citizens. The harsh realities of immigrants and refugees in the United States are shown with sensitivity and insight.

Overall, A Stray is a poignant and insightful movie that sheds light on the struggles of immigrants and refugees in America. The story is compelling, and the acting is superb. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in immigrant stories and the challenges of finding a place in a new country.

A Stray is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6 and a MetaScore of 82.