Stray

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Stray

Released Mar 5, 2021

1h 13m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

71 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

STRAY explores what it means to live as a being without status or security, following three strays as they embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society. Zeytin, fiercely independent, embarks on adventures through the city at night; Nazar, nurturing and protective, easily befriends the humans around her; while Kartal, a shy puppy living on the outskirts of a construction site, finds companions in the security guards who care for her. The strays' disparate lives intersect when they each form intimate bonds with a group of young Syrians with whom they share the streets. Director Elizabeth Lo's award-winning film is a critical observation of human civilization through the unfamiliar gaze of dogs and a sensory voyage into new ways of seeing.

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Critics Consensus

Stray takes a patient, meditative look at the lives of Istanbul's stray dog population -- and uncovers truths of the human condition in the process.

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Alison Willmore

New York Magazine/Vulture

A kind of companion to Kedi, that 2016 documentary about Istanbul's street cats, Elizabeth Lo's film is a tender look into the lives of some of the city's free-roaming dogs.

Aug 11, 2021

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Bilge Ebiri

Spirituality & Health

It's meant to be an immersive experience, an effort to put us as viewers not just behind the eyes of a dog, but also in its mind. It succeeds beautifully.

Jul 13, 2021

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

This isn't Disney. These dogs are dogs. They bark, they bite, they defecate. Yet their primal allure remains indisputable.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 31, 2021

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Annlee Ellingson

CineWomen

These dogs’ lives are scrappy, sometimes ugly, but also — elevated by [directory Elizabeth] Lo’s quotes of the dog-obsessed Greek philosopher Diogenes — charismatic and noble.

Jul 29, 2024

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Rory Doherty

InSession Film

The needs of these boys are repeatedly undermined and ignored, and it’s through their communion with the stray dogs of the city that we gain the most valuable insight into the life of outsiders in Istanbul.

Rated: B

Jun 13, 2024

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Carlos Ovalle

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

A film with so little dialogue can rarely elicit so many emotions, and Stray manages to do just that with its lean 72-minute runtime.

Rated: 8.5/10

Jan 22, 2023

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john s

GOOD BOY Just what everyone is missing from their life: more doggie videos. Shot from a wonderful ground level pooch point of view, "Stray" follows a wayward pack on the streets of Istanbul as they play, scrap, mooch, befriend, sleep, and just plain struggle to survive. Without context or history, this movie just is. And it is intoxicating. Aligning themselves with another bunch of outcasts - homeless refuge orphans - the canines offer a different take on the man's best friend cliche, one that finds common bond in flight, survival and squatting. In what is a desperate, dangerous, harsh and bleak existence, the pack finds not only solace, but also camaraderie and slivers of unexpected joy. Accentuated by dreamy cello accompaniment, there's a wonderful wordless poetic vibe permeating throughout, creating an enticing, sometimes hypnotic viewing experience. Often the focus of exotic wildlife films, "Stray" proves the gymnastic dance of mammal movement also exists on unforgiving city streets. Includes a grand howl to prayer finale so you know you wanna like and subscribe. - hipCRANK

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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John G

I guess if you like dogs walking around this is the movie for you.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/24/22

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Audience Member

Raw, unfiltered and beautifully directed, this movie shows life from the PoV of strays and does so without feeling forced. Really liked this one!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Storytelling is incoherent and sloppy. Lo tov.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

wayne m

Stray is a beautifully captured portrait of life for stray dogs living on the streets of Istanbul. Captured over a two year period the camera casually and effectively follows dogs as they go about their lives. The main focus is on Zeytin, a large and amiable dog who finds company with humans and other dogs whilst trying to find shelter and food. His life intersects with Syrian refugees who have their struggles. I didn't realise there were so many stray dogs in some countries, it's a different way of life. There used to be a 'kill order' but thankfully not anymore. Dogs are wonderful creatures and I spent most of this fine film just worried for their safety.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

nefasto r

An immersive and powerful view. And that is because the point of view is the one of the invisibles. Human and dogs alike.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Elizabeth Lo

Director

Elizabeth Lo

Writer

Shane Boris

Producer

Elizabeth Lo

Producer

Ina Fichman

Executive Producer

Elizabeth Lo

Cinematographer

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Stray: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

STRAY explores what it means to live as a being without status or security, following three strays as they embark on inconspicuous journeys through Turkish society. Zeytin, fiercely independent, embarks on adventures through the city at night; Nazar, nurturing and protective, easily befriends the humans around her; while Kartal, a shy puppy living on the outskirts of a construction site, finds companions in the security guards who care for her. The strays' disparate lives intersect when they each form intimate bonds with a group of young Syrians with whom they share the streets. Director Elizabeth Lo's award-winning film is a critical observation of human civilization through the unfamiliar gaze of dogs and a sensory voyage into new ways of seeing.

Director: Elizabeth Lo
Producer: Shane Boris, Elizabeth Lo
Screenwriter: Elizabeth Lo
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Magnolia Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 5, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.0K
Runtime: 1h 13m

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