Watch The Stray

The Stray is a heartwarming family film from 2017 starring Michael Cassidy, Sarah Lancaster, and Connor Corum as the main characters. The plot centers around a young family and their encounter with a stray dog that brings them unexpected moments of joy, hope, and love. The film starts with Mitch Davis, played by Michael Cassidy, a workaholic executive, who barely spends time with his family despite his wife and children's constant pleas. One day, as he is driving back home, he unintentionally hits a stray dog that comes in front of his car out of nowhere. Feeling guilty and sympathetic towards the injured dog, he takes him to the veterinarian to get medical assistance.

As the family decides to temporarily house the dog, who they name Pluto, they slowly realize the joy he brings into their broken and hectic lives. Mitch's oldest son, Christian, suffering from anxiety, develops a special bond with Pluto, which helps him deal with his struggles. Similarly, Mitch's wife, Michelle, played by Sarah Lancaster, finds solace in Pluto's affection and care, ultimately bringing the family closer.

As the bond between Pluto and the family grows stronger, so do the conflicts in Mitch's work life. Mitch's job demands he relocate his family to a new city, adding more doubts and pressure on his already fragile relationship with his family. However, in the midst of all chaos, Pluto's loyalty and love for the family remain unwavering, bringing them together through the most challenging times.

The Stray is not just another feel-good film for animal lovers. It is a poignant story of the importance of family and the value of life that comes in different shapes and sizes. The film beautifully portrays the struggles of modern-day families and how small moments of joy and happiness can have a significant impact on their lives.

Apart from the humane elements, the film's technical aspects are also commendable. The cinematography captures the natural beauty and the warmth of the family moments, blending it seamlessly with the dog's perspective shots, giving the audience a unique viewing experience. The Stray's sound design and background score are simple yet evocative, creating an emotional resonance with the audience.

The performances of the cast, especially the young Connor Corum, are noteworthy. His innocence and maturity in portraying the role of a troubled young boy is captivating and endearing, adding to the film's overall charm. Michael Cassidy and Sarah Lancaster's dynamic as a couple struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance is relatable and realistic, making their characters stand out.

In conclusion, The Stray is a perfect example of a family movie that gives you all the warm and fuzzy feelings while teaching you some valuable lessons about life. It's a film that makes you laugh, cry, and empathize with the characters, and leaves you with a smile in the end. Anyone who loves dogs, families, and emotional dramas will enjoy this movie thoroughly.

The Stray is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.