Into the Arms of Strangers (2007) User Reviews

Ron Carey's performance is a standout in "Strangers"

[caprior · 6/10 · 30 June 2007]

INTO THE ARMS OF STRANGERS is fairly standard material and the director has a tendency to fall into a few cliché traps along the way. But it is well-produced and has a few polished moments that are well-worth the viewing.

Primarily, it is Ron Carey's subtle, richly textured performance that kept me interested in his psychological journey. And fortunately, the director agrees, allowing the camera to linger on Carey's face as he struggles with the emotional turmoil that seems to have gripped his psyche. Carey doesn't hide anything nor does he indulge or get caught in the trappings of this mood piece. And the camera loves his face. I am quite surprised at this actor's skills and his maturity level with so few films to his credit.

Definitely, an actor to watch.

Just Say No!

[Allan_X · 1/10 · 24 April 2007]

This movie was bad but it was so bad that it may reach cult status in the distant future. A sort of film-noir meets Plan 9 From Outer Space. The story was, well, there wasn't actually a story. There is a place reserved for the Ed Woods and Russ Meyers of the world and this film proves it. "So bad it might be good" is the best way to describe it. I seriously doubt if this movie will be picked up by any legitimate distribution company therefore it is unlikely to see wide release.

I will add that I expect to see more of actor Ron Carey. He made the best of what he had. The rest of the acting, if I can call it that, was quite forgettable. I have seen worse from big studios with vast budgets.

Different than expected, but good nonetheless

[joeb4513 · 7/10 · 9 April 2007]

Into the Arms of Strangers is an interesting film. I just saw it yesterday at the Oxford International Film Festival, and ended up liking something I was unsure about. I feared at first that this would be another typical story for the mystery/thriller genre, however, I was able to stay intrigued throughout the film. If you can get past the fact this film wasn't made with film (nearly impossible for indie productions) and there are no recognizable actors, I bet you could end up enjoying the film. Despite having no recognizable actors, I found the acting to be very good. Ron Carey did a great job as Andy. I was convinced that his emotions were real and therefore was able to sympathize with him, which is very important in my book. April Wade as Erin also did a great job for reasons that I won't say as to not give anything away.

I also met with the director before and after the film. This was his first feature length film, but it was not obvious. Sometimes directors can buckle under the pressure of making a feature as opposed to a short, but you would think that director Chris Harris had done this before. A good all around effort from cast and crew.

Wannabe Eyes Wide Shut

[housecountrywife · 1/10 · 14 May 2017]

I'm sure whoever made this film paid a bunch of their friends to give this film good reviews, which fooled me into buying it. Thankfully it was only 99 cents.

The whole film drags on and is incredibly boring, with the big climax being aninferior rip off of the mansion masked party scene in Eyes Wide Shut (Kubrick). I think whoever had the $$ to make this film, saw Eyes Wide Shut shortly beforehand, and then chose to make his/her own god-awful boring version.

Don't waste your time or money with this piece of garbage .

Where do I go to rent or purchase a copy?

[parker-95 · 8/10 · 16 April 2007]

I'm a fan of the non-linear story. This director skillfully drops you into the middle of a story and give you just enough to find your way out. Viewers have to approach this movie with the understanding that you are going to get lost. The uninitiated might get frustrated, which is probably why this movie will have an art house release. The observant will receive their just rewards.

I predict this is one of those stories that gets better after every time you see it.

I've combed the web for more info about this movie. I saw a screener at some event, but can't seem to find where to tell friends to rent or purchase.

Innovative cinematography, fascinating story

[jefferson70 · 10/10 · 12 April 2007]

The director seems to have a knack for finding the human element in any story, including one like this which so easily could have slipped into the conventional genre stereotypes. But Chris Harris deftly puts the focus on the human element and together with some great actors, gives us a compelling plot but more importantly, the people and emotions behind that plot. One of the ways he does this is through the innovative cinematography which in a Bergman-esquire way, although thoroughly modernized, keeps our focus on the faces and expressions of the main actors. If he carries this philosophy on to his next film, I think Mr. Harris's next effort will be well worth watching for.

Involving, tension filled film

[backyard-harris · 8/10 · 11 April 2007]

An intense and engrossing 93 minutes! The viewer needs to pay careful attention to all of the visual and auditory detail to keep up with the intriguing interweave of past and present, with a persistent sense of underlying danger. It's certainly not immediately clear who the "good guys" and the "bad guys" are. As in life, several characters are shades of both, which draws the viewer even more into the conflicted feelings encasing the lead characters.

I really liked this film, the development of the characters, and the unfolding story as the protagonists' memory slowly emerges. I certainly look forward to more from this writer/director. So much on such a tiny budget. It would really be interesting to see what this creative and gifted man could do with some serious money.

Totally unexpected.

[notfurnace · 9/10 · 20 September 2007]

I didn't expect this movie to be what it turned out to be, but I was surprised in a good way. It's certainly got moments of anxiety inducing high tension.

At times I thought that I could anticipate what was going on but in the end I was proved wrong. Every time something seemed familiar and left me thinking I knew where this story was going... it went somewhere else.

In hindsight I think there might even be some unanswered questions leftover for the characters. I think getting left in the dark about some of the details is an important aspect of the story though... so I guess it's a thin line.

Engaging and thrilling indy film

[raasnio · 8/10 · 14 May 2007]

Amnesia is not a new plot device and in some films it just doesn't work. Into the Arms of Strangers makes good use of it by supporting it with intimate cinematography. The filmmaker has a good sense of how to handle the camera. Whether the scenes deal with loss, love, confusion, or with anger, we feel as though we can connect with the main character's feelings and even with his decisions. Even when they might otherwise seem hasty or dangerous. The story takes the viewer on a journey of discovery. Not of wonder but of deceit. If you had amnesia and nothing anyone told you seemed to add up you might start to question everything. In this case Andy is driven by his desire to know who he is and what his life truly should be.

The acting is anchored by the two strongest people in the film. Ron Carey plays Andy with the right amount of emotion. You never get the sense that he's just an emotional wreck as he understands his situation all too well. He is a man driven to know the truth so that he can have a real life. April Wade, as Erin, plays his wife and her performance gives the film a character that you want to believe is honest and real even as you question her motives as you do everyone else's.

This is the kind of film that deserves to be seen in theaters. Independent films like this are where budding filmmakers can get their start and Into the Arms of Strangers is evidence that the filmmaker has the tools necessary to make good films. I believe his best strengths are his cinematography and the ability to keep a film moving along at just the right pace. This was an enjoyable, interesting film that kept my attention all the way through and has an ending that finishes the film on just the right note.

Movie keeps you guessing!

[adgag · 8/10 · 19 May 2007]

I was completely drawn in by the mysterious characters and the evolving storyline.

Chris Harris' talent shines through on this film. And I certainly am looking forward to future films by this writer/director.

The acting was solid. Ron Carey is quite good and I expect we'll be seeing more of him in the near future.

The cinematography was exceptional. I even enjoyed the soundtrack...it really set the mood.

If you love movies that keep you guessing up until the end like I do, then this is the movie for you!

Great new filmmaker

[ortabasi · 10/10 · 5 April 2007]

Chris Harris shows his talent with this great little independent film. Can't wait for his next film. The film keeps you guessing all the way. Cinematography is really well done. Acting is good. Chris tells the story in an interesting way moving back and forth in time with no problem. He shows his talent and creativity. Shows that you don't need a huge budget to make a good little film. Great job can't wait for more from this up and coming director. The tight shots really help build the tension and confusion of the main character. I hear this film is doing well in the festivals when you see it you'll know why. It is original and well made. It will entertain.

Well shot and exciting

[carson-60 · 8/10 · 10 April 2007]

I really enjoyed this movie.

The way the plot is revealed is exciting, I totally liked a lot of the creative shots, and I was shocked by the ending.

It definitely made me feel the fear and be on the edge of my seat!

I can't think of another movie to relate to this one, as it is unique.

I've seen it twice and would watch it again as I know there were details I missed, since on the second viewing I caught things I had originally missed.

The way suttle things relate to each other in the movie, like the art, are interesting.

Tense Psychological Ride

[mxsupervisor · 8/10 · 28 August 2007]

Chris Harris' "Into the Arms of Strangers" was quite an engaging & appealing film. Most notably the cinematography, music, editing & acting by lead Ron Carey. The plot kept me interested as did the overall dark tone & unease that permeated throughout.

I did find that things got slightly confusing in the 3rd act & April Wade's performance was sub-par, but that didn't keep me from feeling satisfied at the end of the viewing.

I'm expecting great things from Mr. Harris in the future & highly recommend this tense, no-filler psychological thriller to anyone who appreciates the challenging craft of indie film-making in the hands of a tasteful creator.

wow

[eel-albright · 9/10 · 28 June 2007]

Where have the children gone? productions indeed. this my friends was an awesome movie.

the plot contains a 100% positive message mingled with emotions of fear, disdain, disgust, in love, intense passion, nail biting, shoe throwing, exquisiteness, & mangled up fun.

The camera angling and color palettes are very well worked. There's only a slight few times when the camera should have been a little more this way or that way... but it's not anything that gets in the way of the mind-boggling plot.

i would recommend this movie to anyone who likes films that are equivalent real life happenings. True feelings and emotions all while in a backdrop of reality. It would be hard to ask for more.

no thanks

[smart_e · 29 September 2010]

The backstory, so to speak, that gets revealed in the last 5 or 10 minutes of the film, in my opinion (and please note that this is just my opinion), breaks a type of trust that should stay between the audience and the filmmaker.

I've seen this kind of thing before -- and I don't remember the name of the film, it was a horror film that did very poorly at the box office -- but the deal is that it breaks a trust, so to speak. I honestly can't remember the name of it. It was creepy, in a way that was psychologically manipulative (in my opinion), trying too hard. There is a difference between watching a horror movie and being sucked into the tube and becoming part of one in real life. A BIG difference.

One can look at a movie like Natural Born Killers, for instance, which has significant amounts of violence, death, and blood, but it kind of numbs you to it -- there is a way that the violence can be made artistic, so to speak. You're not the one afraid, but you feel certain feelings towards the actors -- you're an audience member, not a victim of violent crime. There is a difference.

This movie goes along fine for the vast majority of it. It's an intriguing study of amnesia, and it leaves you guessing, curious, and interested. It's an interesting subject for a movie, like Memento, for instance.

The thing with the horror flick I mentioned earlier whose name I don't remember (a psychologist and her family being held hostage in a cabin), is that the trust gets broken relatively near the beginning of the movie, so you can turn it off and not watch it.

In this movie, the trust is broken in the last 10 or 15 minutes or so. The backstory is revealed, and it's literally nauseating. It's not enough of a plot, or there's not enough emotional depth to the deal.

Overall, I'd have to say it's not that bad -- amnesia can be an interesting thing to study. For instance -- what if a couple had some differences, got divorced, each remarried, and the one of the two had amnesia? Perhaps those differences would seem more insignificant or something. There's "nice" ways to reveal things and so on.

I don't recommend this movie, because it saves the reveal of a nebulous, unpleasant backstory until the very, very end. There are reasons to watch movies, and there are way to turn violence and bloodshed into an artform of sorts.

So, in other words, the ending sucks, and it violates a certain psychological distancing requirement (in my opinion) that violence should have (as in Natural Born Killers, for instance). It's the nebulous, seemingly gruesome backstory reveal that is the problem here.