A previously little-known Australian movie is currently the third most watched movie around the world on Netflix. The film premiered at Cannes but got almost no marketing. Joel Edgerton plays an undercover cop [Mark] and Sean Harris plays the stranger [Henry]. Loosely based on the nonfiction book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe’s Killer, The Stranger is linked to one of the most memorable crimes of this century.
The film is a dark film whose mysteries are unveiled slowly. There is a persistent feeling of dread throughout the movie. That is what keeps you involved in the film together with the top notch acting. The lighting plays a very important part in unveiling the story. Color is scaled back but effective. This film is a compelling watch and a superb piece of filmmaking.
We first get to know Mark as mid-level gangster who hires Henry, a drifter, to help on some projects. It is some time before we find out Mark’s real identity. For a long time it’s not exactly clear who the suspect is, or even the nature of the case. I have the strong urge to tell you more and point out the effects in particular scenes but that would require giving too much away.
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