Watch The Stranger

The Stranger, released in 2014, is a horror-thriller movie directed by Guillermo Amoedo. The film stars Cristobal Tapia Montt, Lorenza Izzo, and Luis Gnecco, and it is a Chilean-American co-production. The story centers around Martin, played by Cristobal Montt, a mysterious man who arrives in a small town in Chile looking for his wife, Ana. He has not seen her in years, and she went missing after giving birth to their son, Peter. As Martin tries to uncover the truth behind his wife's disappearance, he realizes that the town hides a dark secret, and he must confront the shadows from his past to save his family.

The Stranger is a slow-paced movie that relies on atmosphere and tension to build a sense of dread. The filmmakers use the snowy landscape, the dark interiors, and the eerie music to create a compelling setting that evokes the feeling of isolation and paranoia. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, where Martin walks through the woods carrying a dead goat on his back. The camera follows him from behind, immersing the viewer in the harsh winter environment. The scene is quiet, except for the sound of the snow crunching under his boots, creating a sense of unease that foreshadows the horror to come.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Martin's wife is not the only woman who went missing in the town. The disappearance of these women is connected to a series of cult-like rituals performed by a group of masked men. The movie explores themes of family, identity, and the consequences of past mistakes. Martin is a complex character, haunted by his past actions and struggling to cope with the consequences of his choices. Cristobal Montt delivers a solid performance, conveying Martin's pain, confusion, and desperation convincingly. Lorenza Izzo also shines as Ana, Martin's wife, who has her own secrets and motives.

The Stranger is not a movie for everyone. It is dark, violent, and disturbing, with graphic scenes of gore and torture. The film's pacing may also test the patience of some viewers who expect non-stop action or jump scares. However, for those who appreciate a slow-burning horror story that rewards patience and attention to detail, The Stranger delivers a satisfying experience. The movie's focus on characters and atmosphere, combined with its unique blend of horror and thriller elements, make it a refreshing addition to the genre.

Another aspect that makes The Stranger stand out is its use of language. The movie is bilingual, with dialogue in both Spanish and English. The characters switch between the two languages, depending on their background and context. This choice adds a layer of authenticity to the film, as it reflects the cultural diversity of Chile and the challenges of communication that arise from it. It also makes the movie more accessible to a global audience, as viewers can relate to the struggle to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers.

In conclusion, The Stranger is a well-made horror-thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense, tension, and horror. The movie's focus on characters and atmosphere, combined with its bilingual dialogue, make it a unique addition to the genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a slow-paced story with a strong sense of place and mood will find it rewarding. The Stranger is a promising debut for Guillermo Amoedo, who went on to collaborate with Eli Roth (who produced The Stranger) in the making of The Green Inferno and Knock Knock.

The Stranger is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 32.