The Strange Ones

Audience Reviews

View All (36) audience reviews

Carlos G The Strange Ones is a haunting, enigmatic exploration of forbidden love, fraught with unspoken tension and emotional complexity. Directed with a deliberate air of mystery, the film delves into the fractured lives of Nick (Alex Pettyfer) and Sam (James Freedson-Jackson), two characters bound by a connection that oscillates between almost-platonic intimacy and something darker, more ambiguous. Nick moves into the back house on the property where Sam lives with his abusive father. From the outset, their relationship is charged with an ineffable intensity. Pettyfer delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as Nick, whose protective instincts toward Sam reveal both a tenderness and an inner turmoil. Freedson-Jackson, in turn, is mesmerizing as Sam, capturing the boy’s vulnerability and the ways in which he clings to Nick as a source of safety and understanding. The film walks a tightrope in its depiction of their bond, never fully articulating the nature of their feelings but allowing the audience to sense the undercurrents of mutual attraction. This subtlety is one of the movie's strengths, as it refrains from over-explaining and instead trusts the viewer to pick up on the implied dynamics. Certain scenes—a fleeting glance, a touch that lingers a moment too long—speak volumes about the depth of their connection. When Sam’s abusive father becomes a fatal obstacle, Nick takes the ultimate step to protect the boy, killing him in an act that feels both inevitable and harrowing. This pivotal moment underscores the lengths Nick is willing to go for Sam, reinforcing the film’s themes of sacrifice and the blurred lines between love and obsession. Nick’s decision to put his life on the line transforms him into a tragic figure, embodying both the savior and the sinner. The movie’s sparse dialogue, eerie cinematography, and atmospheric tension create a sense of unease that mirrors the characters’ inner conflicts. It is as much a psychological study as it is a story of survival and resilience, compelling viewers to question their own interpretations of morality and love. The Strange Ones is not an easy film to categorize, and that is precisely its allure. It dares to inhabit a space where emotions are raw, relationships are undefined, and the line between right and wrong is disturbingly thin. With tour de force performances by Pettyfer and Freedson-Jackson, this film lingers long after the credits roll, demanding reflection and dialogue. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/19/24 Full Review Shannon F James Freedson-Jackson is very convincing. Great acting. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Cindy P I kept thinking this movie was about to get good...but it never did. Ending made zero sense. Acting was good. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/02/24 Full Review Oran W I thought it was a dream come true. I've lived the same thing. Still do, after many years. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/28/24 Full Review Audience Member A well-done thriller that slowly peels back the onion as it reveals more and more of what you had not expected. Ultimately, Sam’s experience evokes empathy, only to come to end tragically and abruptly. I would probably watch it a second time at some point, in order to understand the events early on in a new and different way than the first time. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/02/23 Full Review Brenda L What the hell was it all about??? Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 06/16/22 Full Review Read all reviews

The Strange Ones

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now