The Stranger (IX) (2022) User Reviews

Meh...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 30 April 2023]

I was initially lured to watching the 2022 horror movie "The Stranger" given the movie's somewhat interesting cover. I had never heard about this movie prior to watching it, so I didn't know what I was in for, so writers and directors Mike Clarke and Paul Gerrard had every opportunity to bedazzle and impress me.

The storyline in "The Stranger", as written by Mike Clarke and Paul Gerrard, started out okay, but about halfway through the 79 minutes, the movie started to lose its momentum and sort of went into a standstill of sorts. Sure, "The Stranger" was watchable, but it was hardly an outstanding, memorable or particularly scary horror experience.

I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in "The Stranger", but the actors and actresses put on fairly adequate performances, given the scope of the contents of script and storyline. It is a relatively small cast ensemble, with the majority of the movie just revolving around Damien Ashley (playing Kyle), Jennifer K. Preston (playing Amanda) and Isabella Percival (playing Karli).

Visually then "The Stranger" is a low-key movie. There wasn't much of any special effects being used throughout the course of the 79 minutes that the movie ran for. Not that the movie really needed special effects, as it wasn't such a movie.

Watchable for what it was, "The Stranger" came and went without leaving a lasting impression on me. The best thing about "The Stranger", actually, was the cover. "The Stranger" offers nothing that haven't already been done or seen in many other home-invasion movies before it. And it was sort of anti-climatic that you never get to know what those darkened human-like creatures actually were.

My rating of "The Stranger" from writers and directors Mike Clarke and Paul Gerrard lands on a four out of ten stars.

Not Awful But

[bidi-27189 · 5/10 · 25 September 2023]

This seems to be a concept movie from a new studio/director. And so must be taken with a pinch of salt, it's not a 10 by a some way, but not a 1 either.

Story - there isn't one. The opening scene draws you in thinking oh what's happened, seems daft but let's see. But by the end I'm still scratching my head on what the story was. It has the old classic family member dies, let's move to a remote country house with no neighbours.

Acting - on the whole is mediocre, but the script can be blamed for that. Some really awful conversations between mother and daughter including one near the beginning. Mother asks daughter to look out for signs as she is driving. They are on a single track driveway to the property, your not going to be looking out for signs. This is just one example of a number of poorly written exchanges. But there are points where it improves sligtly.

Music - usuall suspense horror music, with the annoying tones when something is about to happen. But acceptable.

Overall - I'm not going to watch this one again, it's longer than it needs to be but there is some good concepts. Probably should be lower in my ratings but suggest giving it a go anyway.

Not a great movie, but it was frightening

[Freedom060286 · 4/10 · 1 August 2023]

Not a bad effort from a small budget. There was a gradual build up of fear throughout, and there was a mystery that kept my attention.

Some of the dialogue could have been better written. The early tension between mother and daughter added nothing positive to the film. It probably would have been better if the mother was a stronger person, not relying on alcohol and pills.

And there were a few plot holes, that others have mentioned here in their reviews.

Although it would have been better if the characters had been more likable so we would feel more concern for them, it was still very frightening and the scenes during the night were nicely directed.

Pure garbage

[gothix99 · 1/10 · 28 September 2022]

I cannot fathom the high rating for this "film." It has no plot, terrible acting, is disjointed, and is complete and utter garbage. What was the storyline, was there a storyline? Was the dialogue supposed to be so mindless? Even the one positive review highlighted a lack of plot. Decent films have been made with ambiguous plots/endings; however, they have other positive elements. The Stranger has absolutely nothing to offer, nothing good anyway. I'm guessing this is just another push-through Amazon film like so many others that are completely useless. Save your time and watch paint dry because it will be more interesting with better actors.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen

[curtis-ratcliff · 1/10 · 6 May 2023]

Please note anyone giving this over a 1 is obviously something to do with the production because believe me this is absolutely terrible, the acting is poor the story is poor the whole thing is terrible, save yourself some time and watch anything else. I am a big horror movie fan and don't mind low budget what I do mind is no story and absolute sub par actors. And that's what this garbage is. Hopefully they will improve but i just can't see it. The worst character/actor is the main guy who's supposed to be menacing and scary but just comes across as irritating and not scary in the slightest a sad sloppy character.

Just very very awful

[onthewatchlist · 1/10 · 24 June 2023]

I hardly give movies dire ratings, preferring to give credit to intangibles like setting. This is by far the lowest rating I've ever given, because I just couldn't stomach this utter dross.

• Kyle is on the run but chooses to stop his car in the middle of an open space, blinkers flashing?

• That must be some broomstick. Apparently just placing it across the frame prevents intruders from opening the door.

• "They know I'm here".. Yes Kyle we saw that minutes ago when you were stabbed inside the house.

• "We can't let them in".. Except they already ARE in, when they stabbed you inside the house?

Aaarrghhhh

[domialenic · 1/10 · 21 June 2023]

What a terrible, terrible absolute piece of crap movie. I gave it a fair chance, but should have known better. I don't understand how somebody can concoct such a horrible "movie" and is not ashamed o unleash it upon humanity. A piece of advice to others checking IMBD ratings before watching something. If the reviews are basically divided between 1 and 10 you know that something is fishy and most probably the ones are those to go by. You watch this "masterpiece" until the end and wonder what you have been watching. No coherent story. Nothing scary if just the experience of watching this out which is shocking enough on it's own. There should be the option of giving zero minuses as there seem to be no bottom to what producers nowadays come up with, and when you think it can't get worse one is proved wrong.

Cool Concept, Not Much Else.

[icocleric · 4/10 · 13 September 2023]

The concept could have been a lot more interesting if we got more details about what's going on. Like who are the mysterious things chasing the man? I wish he would have developed theories or learned little details, and ideas about them as he was on the run. We don't learn much about them, just that they develop an interest in people and hunt them down. We have no idea why either.

Like it wasn't a terrible film, but it also didn't leave much of an impression on me either. I'll probably forget I watched it. The acting was very average, nothing special, but the dialogue was really awkward in places.

Enjoyable for a budget horror

[shortyandthebaldone · 8/10 · 16 August 2023]

It what is says on the tin, a stranger turns up at an inn - something untoward about him, but is he the real concern.....oooooh no!

I watched this with some friends last night because it was only £1 on Apple TV (complete bargain!) and we sat back thinking - 'ok, this is going to be a laugh; independent unheard of British horror...FOR A £1?! Surely it's going to be Oscar worthy!

All jokes aside, I have seen a lot of budget horror's in my time (for the love of god, 'Zombie Hunter' anyone ....yeah) but with this being classed as a budget horror, we were all presently surprised.

Some nice camera work, very desolate and isolated location, a few decent jump scares and the acting was quite good all round. Not going to be beating Halloween or anything but we enjoyed it!

Worth 80 minutes of your time :)

The cover must have cost more money to produce than the entire movie

[AwfullyFrightful · 1/10 · 24 September 2023]

This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my entire life. A hackneyed sloppy sh**fest from start to beginning, the only redeeming quality in watching The Stranger is the relief you'll feel when it's finally over.

A story so poorly written that you could drag any random 12 year old off the street and have them produce a better plot meets cinematography and editing pulled straight from the £1 DVD bin.

I really cannot communicate just how bad every single facet of this movie was. The fact that money was spent to produce this and actors showed up on set to chew their way through the horrendously written dialogue like rancid molasses is nothing short of a biblical miracle.

Classic movie of the genre.

[tezboyes · 8/10 · 5 September 2023]

That genre being - tiny budget, single location, handful of actors - horror.

Think Hellraiser and A Dark Song and X, on a shoestring.

It's a first time full feature - though Mike and Paul have been around awhile.

And if you take that into account the flaws can be excused.

The acting, it's not quite there, but it's generally prett good. A little more experience, whether from them, or the directors, or the script, and you can see it could have been great.

Effects, not much obvious, the few clear examples are more about turning the concepts into costume/makeup - and that was well done.

Originally titled Karli, the name change was a good idea, until another film came out with the same name last year!

Nicely leaves things open for a prequel and sequel(s).

The Hunters are coming...

Full disclosure, I've known one of the directors for a number of years.

Now, this was scary!

[JaneBingley · 8/10 · 26 March 2023]

I will never listen to the negative reviews again, because this movie was darn scary!

Wow, this was so good! I was not expecting this at all.

Fine acting, likeable characters, good story.

I was on the edge of my seat (sofa, lol) the whole time, barely breathing sometimes, waiting for the scares to pass. Absolutely will recommend!

The negative: The two female leads take a lot of dumb choises, even after they understand the threat from outside.

-Cover the windows, do not let the demons see us.

She just kind of closes one window.

-Do not drink, its important to stay sober with a clear head.

She gulps down vodka.

-Do not make a sound, the demons will hear you.

They both are talking loud/crying/screaming

-Do not answer the phone, its the demon wanting to trick you Hello, is that you, my long dead husband?

-Stay low, do not let them see you from the outside.

They just walk around the house.

-Do not communicate with the demons, although they may look like a sweet old lady.

Hello old lady, who I have just heard groweling, I'll just shut this window here. No, you can't come in right now.

For what it is - it works!!

[emason-90621 · 8/10 · 13 May 2023]

Saw this on the recommendation of a friend who loves her unknown little horror gems. It's very clearly on a budget (having checked that budget before I wrote this) but what they do with that budget is very commendable. The past few years have seen an increase in the genre of folk horror (i.e Robert Eggars) - that idea of solitary, isolated locations, normally wrapped up in some cultish goings on that can allow the darkness to really settle in and make you feel unsettled as an audience, it's something that The Stranger utilises very well and for an independent film, dare I say, it does the job swimmingly.

Performances across the board (from what appears to be a relatively unknown cast) create a strong sense of realism in their fear of the ever building sense of dread that is the evil perpetrators outside, trying to get into the house/cottage as they have some masochistic fun with it's occupier's from the external. They sell the fear and urgency from the opening scene and you go along with them on the ride, hoping they may make it through.

Mr Clarke and Gerrard seem to have a very grounded feel for creating the supernatural here and it never falls off the proverbial cliff into cliche or 'oh, here we go again' territory. They utilise some very clear choices from the plot devices to the Dutch angles (who doesn't love a Dutch angle??) and know how to keep the pace just right. They do both their budget and cast/crew an absolute herculean service and I feel that, with some more money in the bank, they could really make a splash into the mainstream and independent movie sphere, if this movie is anything to look up to as a guide to where they can go.

Like I said, it is on a budget with relative unknowns across the crew, but when you hold this up to a few questionable horror movies of the last few years ( not at all looking in your direction.... Pooh: Blood and Honey) it's actually a taut, nerve inducing little horror that plays to its strengths and knows the lay of the land it's traveling.

My only quibble really (and that is judging the film on its own merits) is that the 2nd act did feel like there was something left on the cutting room floor, as if 15 minutes of footage had been shaved off to save on run time, it just jumps very quickly from one set of building stakes to 'oh, we are here now then'. With that said, having seen some of the negative reviews on here I would say give it your own verdict before you read their reviews - some people appear to just want to write negative reviews for the sake of being negative.

So, for an independent little British horror, I would give it a solid 8/10 - think Eden Lake, only less rude boy youths and more Jason Voorhees (only, it's better than all the Friday the 13th's - he went to space right??)

Home Invasion with a twist..

[Art_Monkey · 10/10 · 8 September 2022]

Decent little indie British horror film (despite its generic title) with a nice twist on the the usual home invasion genre. Some unsettling atmosphere throughout which increases the sense of dread in the film. Some good scares but I would have liked some more info on the main threat (no spoilers) which was a bit undefined and vague but overall, if you like unnerving horror film, it's certainly worth a watch. Giving it a high mark for its originality and I like supporting indie projects. Highlights for me were the moody cinematography and final girl, Karli played by newcomer, Isabella Percival - a name to watch in future horror?

A good little British horror

[davetfilmguy · 10/10 · 29 September 2022]

I have seen my fair share of low budget horror films and a lot leave a lot to be desired, however, this horror is clearly on a budget (minimal actors, one major location) but it is better than most.

Following the death of her husband, the grieving proprietor of a small hotel finds her life turned further upside down after the arrival of a mysterious guest who won't leave.

A good little British horror, good camera work, great lighting, well worth a watch.

Good performances, especially from Damien Ashley help sell the horror of the actor's situation.

A good strong opening scene hooks you in and takes you for a good ride.

Look forward seeing what the film makers do next.

It is simply thrilling and captivating!

[sophialeannekelly-97335 · 10/10 · 29 September 2022]

From beginning to end, I was on the edge of my seat. It's one of the best indie horrors I've seen in a long time and deserves world-wide screen time. I had the pleasure of attending their first UK screening at the 'The Dead Northern Horror Festival' and was not disappointed. Outstanding performances from all involved-especially leading man Damien Ashely, who owns the screen with his rising desperation and fear. The intensity grew throughout, and the cinematography, sound, lighting, and effects were simply mind-blowing. With a small budget, award-winning directors Mike Clarke and Paul Gerrard collaborated to create an exceptional, chilling horror film. This is down to their attention to detail, talent, and passion for horror filmmaking. The ending certainly leaves the audience wanting more. One not to miss in 2022!

Absolutely amazing!

[dannidenise-71616 · 10/10 · 14 October 2022]

I was captivated from the start right until the end with this amazing indie horror! I've seen a lot of horror films (being a massive fan of them) & none of them come close to how great this one is! I loved the cinematography, the storyline, the acting was phenomenal, clearly written very, very well & I find that it was a lot better than some horror movies you watch in the cinemas. I found it really creepy in parts & it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire film. Some indie films don't always sell it to me but this one certainly did! I really enjoyed watching this & if you haven't seen it yet, you must watch it! You won't be disappointed.