Watch The Stranger in Us

The Stranger in Us is a 2010 drama film directed by Scott Boswell and starring Adam Perez, Raphael Barker, and Travis Romo. The film follows the story of a young man named Anthony (Adam Perez) who moves to San Francisco hoping for a fresh start after his mother dies. However, he finds himself struggling to adjust to his new life and ends up working as a sex worker to make ends meet.

As Anthony tries to make a living in the city, he meets Gavin (Raphael Barker), a wealthy businessman who becomes his client. Gavin is dealing with his own problems in life, including the disintegration of his marriage, and the two men develop an unlikely friendship despite their different backgrounds.

The film gives a raw and honest look into the life of someone trying to survive as a sex worker. Anthony's character is far from the stereotypical glamorous escort or prostitute typically portrayed in Hollywood films. The movie doesn't glamourize his job, but instead shows the harsh realities of the situation, highlighting that sex work can be a brutal profession.

Throughout the film, we see Anthony struggle with his relationship with his boyfriend, Stephen (Travis Romo), who is trying to get him out of the dangerous lifestyle. Stephen is a therapist and often tries to use his psychology training to help Anthony. However, Anthony is resistant, and it takes him a while to realize that his life is in danger.

The movie's characters also tackle issues such as class, race, and relationships. Gavin's wealth and privilege illustrate how much easier life can be for someone with money. His problems are less about survival and more about the quality of life he desires. In contrast, Anthony struggles to make ends meet and is forced into a life of sex work to pay his bills. Stephen's character also highlights the power dynamics that exist within relationships, as he tries to persuade Anthony to leave his job.

The Stranger in Us is a poignant and emotional film that explores the challenges faced by marginalised communities. The film is beautifully shot, with the San Francisco backdrop providing a stark contrast to the gritty reality of Anthony's life. Scenes are shot in areas of the city that are not typically seen in films, giving the movie an authentic and often bleak feel.

The film's actors give outstanding performances, with Adam Perez's portrayal of Anthony providing the heart of the movie. Raphael Barker's performance as Gavin provides a thought-provoking contrast to Anthony's lifestyle, raising uncomfortable questions about the role of privilege and wealth in society. Travis Romo's character, Stephen, also delivers a strong and nuanced performance, adding depth to the relationship between Anthony and Stephen.

Overall, The Stranger in Us is a must-watch film for anyone who appreciates quality drama. Its honest and raw portrayal of sex work and marginalisation makes it a film that resonates long after the credits roll. The movie touches on economic inequality, social justice, and relationships in a way that few films do. It's a thought-provoking film about life's challenging realities and finding friendship and hope in unexpected places.

The Stranger in Us is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.