Watch Welcome the Stranger

Welcome the Stranger is a psychological thriller that delves into the complicated relationship between siblings, estranged for years after the death of their parents. The movie, released in 2018, stars Abbey Lee, Caleb Landry Jones, and Riley Keough in the lead roles. Alice (Abbey Lee) is a successful fashion designer who returns to her family's secluded estate after receiving a distressing phone call from her younger brother, Ethan (Caleb Landry Jones). She finds Ethan living in the house with his girlfriend, mysterious and enigmatic, Misty (Riley Keough). The siblings have not been close since their parents' death, and Alice is surprised to see Ethan living in such isolation. As Alice tries to reconnect with Ethan, she begins to suspect that Misty is not who she claims to be, and there's more at play than she initially thought.

The movie starts slowly, with the opening sequences building suspense and establishing the eerie atmosphere of the isolated estate. The audience is immediately drawn into the mystery surrounding the relationship between the estranged siblings, and as Alice arrives at the estate, a sense of unease settles in. The camera work is excellent and enhances the unsettling aura of the estate, with long shots of the empty surroundings highlighting the isolation and the feeling of emptiness.

The movie progresses at a steady pace, with the storyline unfolding in a measured manner, keeping the audience engaged without giving away too much. The director has woven the narrative with surreal elements that create an aura of ambiguity with the real unfolding events, keeping the viewer guessing about the story's real direction. The depiction of the characters is nuanced, and the acting by the lead actors is outstanding, with each layer of the storyline revealed through the subtle expressions and dialogue delivery.

As Alice tries to reconnect with Ethan, she confronts many mysteries that he seems to be hiding. She discovers that Ethan has closed himself off from the world and has vanished into a life of isolation with his girlfriend, Misty. Alice is curious to learn about Misty, a woman Ethan met while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. Ethan is enamored with her, and they have been living together ever since.

As the convoluted story unfolds, Alice begins to harbor doubts about Misty, who seems to alternate between being charming and aloof. As Alice probes deeper, she discovers disturbing secrets about Misty's past and realizes that there is something more sinister going on than just a romantic relationship between Ethan and Misty. The strange dynamics between the triad lead them to undertake seemingly psychotic acts.

As the film progresses, the viewer is taken on a twisted journey of betrayal, manipulation, and obsession, with each new revelation more chilling than the last. The climax is intense and unexpected, with the pieces of the story coming together like a puzzle, leaving the audience shocked and disturbed.

Overall, Welcome the Stranger is a beautifully shot, well-crafted film, filled with surrealist elements that create an uneasy atmosphere. The storyline is twisted and filled with surprises, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film. Exemplary performances by Lee, Jones, and Keough elevate the movie's narrative, with the actors bringing the characters' complexities to life. The soundtrack is carefully chosen and heightens the film's mood, creating an unease that lingers long after the movie ends. The film challenges the limits of what one would call the human psyche and is an excellent watch for those who enjoy the thriller genre.

Welcome the Stranger is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.