PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Sometimes, going into a film blind can be exciting and mysterious, while other times, it can be confusing and leave you wondering what the hell is going on. I had a mix of both when I watched Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s new horror thriller, Welcome the Stranger.
Justin Kelly wrote and directed Welcome The Stranger. It features rising stars Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road), Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out), and Riley Keough (It Comes At Night).
Welcome the Stranger Synopsis:
Alice arrives unannounced at her estranged brother Ethan’s house in an attempt to reconcile, but bizarre visions, the return of his strange girlfriend, and Alice’s paranoia and suspicion force the siblings to cling onto reality amidst mysterious circumstances.
Bizzare doesn’t even come close to describing what I felt after viewing this film. It’s one of those movies that makes you feel like you’re watching an entire dream sequence. Nothing feels real, and you’re not sure what to believe or what is really going on. A bit of a mindfuck.
The acting and performances were painfully awkward, but they were also meant to be. There’s a distressing relationship between Alice and Ethan that borders on incest, like scorned lovers. It gave me the heebie-jeebies. Long stares and a thirst that you couldn’t miss, even if you missed half of the movie.
However, beyond those disturbing moments/scenes, Caleb Landry Jones, as always, gives a brilliant performance. There’s just something about the way he performs and the tone of his voice that captures your attention and makes you want to know his character more.
Last but not least, I will say the cinematography was beautiful. From close up shots to landscape wide angles, each scene felt special… especially the intimate ones, despite how uncomfortable they could be. The lighting, atmosphere, and art all worked perfectly together.
Final Thoughts on Welcome the Stranger:
I’m still unsure of what the hell was going on. Alien abduction? Incest? Your guess is as good as mine. It’s one that I would probably have to watch a few times to fully understand everything, and even, then I may not. Either way, Welcome the Stranger is definitely one you should give a watch. You can find it on Digital HD. I’m dying to know your thoughts!
