There are only 71 rates on here, so you know there are a lot of fake reviews bumping it up. It has a very low budget feel. The acting wasn't great, but not terrible either. With better directing and production value, it would've hidden many of the actors shortcomings. The story was slow and hard to take seriously. Not the worst I've seen, but I wouldn't recommend it.
22 Reviews
Beware the fake reviews.
RaptorBlade8 January 2017
I have never bothered to review a movie on IMDb before but I am fuming at the reviews and score given to this movie. So much so that I feel the need to contribute my own review so that people pondering watching this movie can have some real information on it. Lord only knows it's 90mins of my life I cannot get back.
The movie starts okay with an intriguing opening 3mins but then descends into a turgid, embarrassing mess of a movie to such an alarming extent I genuinely thought I had switched channels by mistake. For starters, the overall level of acting is absolutely woeful. Whilst the widower in the opening scenes and the main protagonist can perhaps move on from this movie without terminal damage to their careers, the rest of the screen talent do not get off that easy and I do not expect to see them on that side of the camera again. To say the acting is wooden is an insult to wood.
As for the direction, I've seen better skills showcased at school nativity plays. With the children directing. I'm not really clear on the script and where it was heading but I suspect it started off as a reasonable idea which was much in need of rework but instead it's been thrown onto the screen and implemented in such an amateurish fashion as to kill the idea stone dead.
I would not normally drop such a viscerally negative review (even though it's all true). But for this movie to languish within the otherwise superb IMDb website on a 6+ rating makes a mockery of the whole scoring system. Upon further reading of the other reviews, it blatantly appears that the other 'critic' reviews are either a) bought off by the movie makers b) the actual movie makers or c) quite simply are thinking of another film and are unfortunately confusing this movie with another one. The reviews I've seen are littered with references to Hitchcock and 'film noir' classics but to associate this movie with anything like that is embarrassingly fake. Moreover, to comment that the actress playing the mother was 'refreshing' and the music (I simply do not recall there being any) 'built tension' simply lend themselves to options a, b or c above and nothing else whatsoever.
If this review irritates those involved with the movie, then quite simply you deserve it for accepting the scandalously misleading and false reviews before this one.
To potential viewers, stay away from this movie and beware movies with less than a 100 reviews as it appears quite possible to artificially inflate a movies score regardless of the quality of the movie.
The movie starts okay with an intriguing opening 3mins but then descends into a turgid, embarrassing mess of a movie to such an alarming extent I genuinely thought I had switched channels by mistake. For starters, the overall level of acting is absolutely woeful. Whilst the widower in the opening scenes and the main protagonist can perhaps move on from this movie without terminal damage to their careers, the rest of the screen talent do not get off that easy and I do not expect to see them on that side of the camera again. To say the acting is wooden is an insult to wood.
As for the direction, I've seen better skills showcased at school nativity plays. With the children directing. I'm not really clear on the script and where it was heading but I suspect it started off as a reasonable idea which was much in need of rework but instead it's been thrown onto the screen and implemented in such an amateurish fashion as to kill the idea stone dead.
I would not normally drop such a viscerally negative review (even though it's all true). But for this movie to languish within the otherwise superb IMDb website on a 6+ rating makes a mockery of the whole scoring system. Upon further reading of the other reviews, it blatantly appears that the other 'critic' reviews are either a) bought off by the movie makers b) the actual movie makers or c) quite simply are thinking of another film and are unfortunately confusing this movie with another one. The reviews I've seen are littered with references to Hitchcock and 'film noir' classics but to associate this movie with anything like that is embarrassingly fake. Moreover, to comment that the actress playing the mother was 'refreshing' and the music (I simply do not recall there being any) 'built tension' simply lend themselves to options a, b or c above and nothing else whatsoever.
If this review irritates those involved with the movie, then quite simply you deserve it for accepting the scandalously misleading and false reviews before this one.
To potential viewers, stay away from this movie and beware movies with less than a 100 reviews as it appears quite possible to artificially inflate a movies score regardless of the quality of the movie.
Drags and drags and drags
Leofwine_draca19 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
STRAY is an indie drama that drags and drags and drags right from the outset. It's listed as horror but feels more like a dark psychological thriller, or at least it would if they'd remembered to add any thrills in. The female protagonist is a runaway with a murderous past who turns up in a small town to begin a new life. Will anyone uncover her dark secret? You won't really care in this slow-moving and uneventful movie which has a glossy, TV movie look to it.
Stray away from dis peesa garbage
jamesiha-8799312 December 2019
At best, this is an ok Lifetime movie that they run once and it never is seen again. I can't figure out if the lead actress is actually bad, or if the script and the micro budget environment didn't allow for the character to blossom. I hated every character in this movie. Or is it the script I hated? I definitely hated the music, super cheesy. Well if there's anything that I can tell you, you're the one that should be afraid!
3 thumbs up!
Drags and drags and gets nowhere. STRAY away from this!
reviews195819 September 2016
Awful. This "movie" earns all of it's one star glory on IMDb's rating scale with 1 being awful.
I watched, as it dragged along, thinking it will get somewhere. Maybe. 3/4 of the way in to the go nowhere script I stayed to figure out if this was a Lifetime movie about a crazy bee otch, like they all are from that network. I assume it is by the commercial breaks interspersed throughout and the awful acting - if that's what you would call it.
I was successful in figuring out the person who reviewed this before me was obviously involved or related to someone in this abortion. The acting left a LOT to be desired. As for the cinematography described by the other viewer as being so good, well I busted out laughing reading the review. (Hint: if you're going to write the review as a favor, next time dummy down all the Oscar worthy dialogue.) The script was laughable. A sophomore in film school could've done better. The reference to Psycho by the other reviewer was another clue they're involved in the making. This isn't even in the same ballpark!
Do yourself a favor...don't waste any time on even pushing the play icon on this drivel. To exercise even that much inertia is more then "Stray" deserves.
I watched, as it dragged along, thinking it will get somewhere. Maybe. 3/4 of the way in to the go nowhere script I stayed to figure out if this was a Lifetime movie about a crazy bee otch, like they all are from that network. I assume it is by the commercial breaks interspersed throughout and the awful acting - if that's what you would call it.
I was successful in figuring out the person who reviewed this before me was obviously involved or related to someone in this abortion. The acting left a LOT to be desired. As for the cinematography described by the other viewer as being so good, well I busted out laughing reading the review. (Hint: if you're going to write the review as a favor, next time dummy down all the Oscar worthy dialogue.) The script was laughable. A sophomore in film school could've done better. The reference to Psycho by the other reviewer was another clue they're involved in the making. This isn't even in the same ballpark!
Do yourself a favor...don't waste any time on even pushing the play icon on this drivel. To exercise even that much inertia is more then "Stray" deserves.
Don't waste your time...
singerdex8 December 2019
I normally don't leave reviews here on IMDB, but after watching this film, I just couldn't not warn others about it. The film drags, and drags and drags.
There are so many loose ends by the end of the movie as to leave the viewers flabbergasted as to WT just happened? Honestly, the plot was somewhat interesting, but leaving so many loose ends just kills it.
There are so many loose ends by the end of the movie as to leave the viewers flabbergasted as to WT just happened? Honestly, the plot was somewhat interesting, but leaving so many loose ends just kills it.
TENSE
JGReviews6 August 2019
Stray is a really interesting indie film. I watch indie films for unique storytelling that you might not see in traditional (and often repetitive) Hollywood movies, and Stray delivers. Director Nena Eskridge and team have created a very complex and meaty role for the lead actress here (Gabrielle Stone I believe is her name) and she gives a good performance. Stray deals with a number of really interesting issues and themes such as vulnerability, violence, and a yearning for family and comfort. The film is tense at many points and definitely had my attention throughout. I'd definitely recommend Stray for those looking for a quality indie suspense film!
Very confusing movie
jhr20122 November 2019
Not quite sure what I just watched? The movie skipped key parts, so much so that it was hard to tell who was who, and what they were all about. In one scene a guy has an affair, and in the next, the woman is pregnant? What the....?
Also the lead character was one crazy girl. I cannot imagine any man letting a nasty skank like her into their home. Any guy with half a brain would run away from her as fast as possible.
Then there is the ending; I have no idea what that was all about? I'd suggest avoiding this mess of a movie.
Ambitious Design, Triumphant Execution
TheAll-SeeingI24 July 2019
A massive ambition of Nena Eskridge's psychological drama "Stray" is found in its aim to elicit equal parts empathy and abhorrence for a presumably-abused female character who also happens to be a recurring murderer. It's a near-impossible task to achieve both at the same time, but somehow, Eskridge's deeply invested and wonderfully nuanced storytelling manages to accomplish that exacting balance in this triumphant indie mind bender.
Eskridge's toolkit clearly reflects her immersion in the works of the absolute masters within the psych drama space, as she demonstrates that what's not shown at all - coupled with that which is only subtly hinted at - can be far more powerful than brands of more traditionally overt tale-telling, which all too often can club the viewer over the head with its clarity of intent. Case in point is our introduction to our story driver - Jennifer - played with far-reaching range by Gabrielle Stone: While we're first basking in the warm, bright images of idyllic small town Americana, that facade is soon shattered by Jennifer's violent van escape from an older male captor. We don't need to know more at this stage, so it's a tribute to the director's craft that further backstory is withheld, thereby building layers of intrigue and establishing a foundation for the possibility of viewer empathy as Jennifer attempts to settle into a small town - only to exact continued violence on those she perceives to be in the way of an idealized new life. Are we drawn to the possibility of Jennifer's rehabilitation because we've been given just enough to know she's been subjected to a violent and oppressive earlier life? Or are we dismissive of any chance of her redemption because she continues to exact violence when it's no longer a matter of survival?
The answer we find within us is that one doesn't have to be mutually exclusive to the other: There are indeed moments which elicit both empathy and dismissiveness towards Jennifer in this carefully crafted drama, and that is arguably the largest of the many victories Eskridge achieves with her film. The intent and construction of "Stray" runs deep, and its terrific execution somehow manages to meet that standard in what amounts to a fascinating psychological drama.
Eskridge's toolkit clearly reflects her immersion in the works of the absolute masters within the psych drama space, as she demonstrates that what's not shown at all - coupled with that which is only subtly hinted at - can be far more powerful than brands of more traditionally overt tale-telling, which all too often can club the viewer over the head with its clarity of intent. Case in point is our introduction to our story driver - Jennifer - played with far-reaching range by Gabrielle Stone: While we're first basking in the warm, bright images of idyllic small town Americana, that facade is soon shattered by Jennifer's violent van escape from an older male captor. We don't need to know more at this stage, so it's a tribute to the director's craft that further backstory is withheld, thereby building layers of intrigue and establishing a foundation for the possibility of viewer empathy as Jennifer attempts to settle into a small town - only to exact continued violence on those she perceives to be in the way of an idealized new life. Are we drawn to the possibility of Jennifer's rehabilitation because we've been given just enough to know she's been subjected to a violent and oppressive earlier life? Or are we dismissive of any chance of her redemption because she continues to exact violence when it's no longer a matter of survival?
The answer we find within us is that one doesn't have to be mutually exclusive to the other: There are indeed moments which elicit both empathy and dismissiveness towards Jennifer in this carefully crafted drama, and that is arguably the largest of the many victories Eskridge achieves with her film. The intent and construction of "Stray" runs deep, and its terrific execution somehow manages to meet that standard in what amounts to a fascinating psychological drama.
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible
JSplend95417 February 2020
After reading some of the positive reviews, I honestly don't think we were watching the same movie. The idea was somewhat interesting but there was no flow to the movie. It just bounced around and you had to guess what happened in the intervals - which there were many. Also, this had to be the worst acting from any of the characters that I have ever seen in my life. It's almost like they pulled these people off of the streets, gave them a script and the next day they just showed up. I don't even want to get into the ending , it was that bad.
Oh my
cheddar-324-878086 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, I really liked this movie and the performances until it came to the baby part! What? I honestly thought she was faking a pregnancy, which would have been a more fitting storyline, given the whole scenerio! All of a sudden, (after she looks about 4 or 5 months pregnant at most, trust me, I've had three kids, I know all about this, she supposedly goes into labor after being rebuked by her boy friend Greg over a scary mural she painted in the baby's room)in the bathroom and refuses medical help!?! Ok, next scene is that she supposedly gave birth and there is an actual baby, umm, really? How exactly did this whole process take place? Not addressed at all! Unless I missed it during a bathroom break which I doubt because I generally pause! Then (after obviously not breastfeeding for several weeks) Greg finds some pills that "supposedly" supress lactation, again, umm, right, if you don't breastfeed from the get go, your milk generally dries up within days, that is, after your milk actually comes in after the colostrum! Ok, sorry, don't mean to gross anyone out, but after the baby part this movie lost me, I have to agree with the negative reviews which suggest that the positive reviews were "bought", there is just way too much storyline here, they started out with a very good premise, I thought the protaganist's aloof portrayal of a detached killer was very good initially and how effectively she manipulated the various characters along the way (even though I was a bit disappointed in the guy in the suit who obviously had some relation to Greg's ex girl friend), normally this is where they say, something odd here, we'll investigate! That didn't happen here, and of course 9 times out of ten that cop happens (if he investigates) to either find the killer or meet his fate🤣🤣, no, too much storyline, her history never gets explored and who cares, everybody winds up dead in the end except the baby ( I'm surprised at that actually)and the alcoholic mother, oh hang on, and the actual killer! No, don't bother!
I've never been so confused in my life. What the ?
gk-5357823 February 2024
I cannot believe other reviews that recommend this mess. This is the worst movie I've ever watched in my life. I thought I changed channels by mistake. So many key elements left out. It's almost like someone pressed a fast forward button. I watched it for an hour and I was like 'no this is bull'. The protagonist runs away from a kidnapper, only to live with a man she meets in a train whom she kills, apparently. Next, she steals another woman's man, before you know it, she's pregnant with his baby🤣. Sorry I couldn't finish the movie. I deeply & honestly regret the 60 minutes I'll never get back.
Not a traditional horror but a tense and suspenseful psychological thriller.
davidhardie-9403424 October 2016
If you are looking for a blood-and-gore horror film you will probably be disappointed with STRAY but if you enjoy tense, suspenseful psychological thrillers with plenty of twists and engaging characters you will be hooked. This film held my attention from the first scene right to the very end and, to be honest, I have found it hard to stop thinking about it. The story follows Jennifer, a young woman with a devastating secret who wrongly believes that she can escape her past. She returns to the small town where she was born hoping to get a job, find a man and live a normal life but what follows is an intriguing series of twists, turns and revelations that gradually reveal the truth about her. Although this is a low budget movie the acting and cinematography are solid and the story is completely absorbing. Recommended.
Loved this Movie
jkhoffman-6177124 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Stray held me in suspense from the minute Jennifer was on the screen. I was extremely surprised to learn about Jennifer's history, which appears clear by the end of the movie. It is hard to believe that the film maker had a small budget to work with, because the movie flowed as well as some of the high budget movies I have seen. The acting and casting were superb. Jennifer had a vulnerable and likable quality to her, which is hard to accomplish as she was not being, shall we say, a good person for a lot of the movie. The older woman character was excellent. The music kept the tension high from beginning to end. I have not been able to get the movie out of my mind, and would like to see a sequel be made.
Moved me darkly
hrhlucky-3634527 September 2016
I usually avoid these types of movies...I like big splashy assault all your senses mostly...but my neighbor insisted I see this and it is Definitely Not my usual cup of tea. Yet, I found myself really caught up and moved by this poor child who is so full of repressed pain and wants a normal life so desperately. There is an underbelly in life that we all want to dance around and not confront. I think that is why we have so many 'monster' films, it is easier to watch fake demons than face the real ones. Jennifer is a very real person for me. I think I will have to keep an eye out for more from Ms. Eskridge...and I guess I will have to tell my neighbor they were right. After I finish my shot of tequila, which I needed.
You Can't Go Home Again With A Modern Twist!
wgie16 September 2016
"Stray"
Nena Eskridge's riveting story of an abused woman desperate odyssey to find normality in a chaotic world is yet another echo of the dark side of past film noir classics. It is through Nena Eskridge's bold direction that this film defines itself as a "dark film" a.k.a. "film noir" through the films use of light and shadow and it's criminally inclined malevolent characters. While the film was obviously produced on a small budget, it reminds one of past classics like "Psycho" and "Identity". Nena Eskridge artistic rendering is painted with a broad brush filled with a Hitchcock cinematic type of magic that causes the viewer to wonder "What is going to happen next?" Actresses Gabrielle Stone provides a stellar performance as a confused and tormented young woman who is running from a dark past and is willing to do anything and everything to find a new life. This film is a timely reminder that "what we want, is not always what we want" and "what we get, is not always what we get". Arita Trahan turns in an amazing performance as an older woman that provides a much needed comparison as well as contrast to Gabrielle Stone's character. The cinematography provided by David Landau was excellent, and while the film was shot in color it still fulfills the necessary ingredients to be "film noir". Kudos to Nena Eskridge for the creation of her wonderful story of a woman with a mirror cracked personality who struggles to find a new life while trying to run away from a dark and disturbing past. This time around with Nena Eskridge's capable direction, the old adage "You Can't Go Home Again" takes on a whole new meaning.
Nena Eskridge's riveting story of an abused woman desperate odyssey to find normality in a chaotic world is yet another echo of the dark side of past film noir classics. It is through Nena Eskridge's bold direction that this film defines itself as a "dark film" a.k.a. "film noir" through the films use of light and shadow and it's criminally inclined malevolent characters. While the film was obviously produced on a small budget, it reminds one of past classics like "Psycho" and "Identity". Nena Eskridge artistic rendering is painted with a broad brush filled with a Hitchcock cinematic type of magic that causes the viewer to wonder "What is going to happen next?" Actresses Gabrielle Stone provides a stellar performance as a confused and tormented young woman who is running from a dark past and is willing to do anything and everything to find a new life. This film is a timely reminder that "what we want, is not always what we want" and "what we get, is not always what we get". Arita Trahan turns in an amazing performance as an older woman that provides a much needed comparison as well as contrast to Gabrielle Stone's character. The cinematography provided by David Landau was excellent, and while the film was shot in color it still fulfills the necessary ingredients to be "film noir". Kudos to Nena Eskridge for the creation of her wonderful story of a woman with a mirror cracked personality who struggles to find a new life while trying to run away from a dark and disturbing past. This time around with Nena Eskridge's capable direction, the old adage "You Can't Go Home Again" takes on a whole new meaning.
Excellent Micro Budget Movie!!!
nikkisims-256-3493022 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
(Spoiler alert) I was amazed when I read online about the incredibly low budget allocated for this production. The writing was spot on, depicting a woman struggling to come to terms with her abusive childhood. How difficult it is to break patterns, yet easy to fall back to the familiar. Don't let the fact that the movie is a micro budget film keep you from giving it a chance. There truly is not much you can fault this movie for. Of course you can not and should not compare this film to the exorbitant movie budgets we have become accustomed to as the norm. This IS a micro budget film
done very well. All the actors did a great job, however, the older mother was refreshing from the moment she walked on screen. Very very sad to hear this was her last film. She did a beautiful job and every minute she was on screen, I was captivated. I really enjoyed this movie and I hope others will as well.
...as a fan of INDIE Films
bodecabr1 February 2017
As a fan of INDI Films I must say STRAY was such a treat! Not too much gore, no frontal nudity...gore and sex have always seemed like such a cheap trick to grab viewers attention if you ask me. Nena (director/writer) grabbed our attention with the story itself. STRAY offered a LITTLE of everything. Drama, violence, sadness, romance, suspense! How did Nena do this on such a low budget. Each character was well defined and believable...some more so than others. I personally had a special fondness for Edna. I wonder if the writer had someone in mind when developing Edna's character. Jennifer's character has a special knack for looking creepy one minute, lovable the next and pitiful the next...the pitiful Jennifer was my favorite. My heart at times bled for her. I think the actor has been in a few other SCREAMER movies? If not, she should be. Greg, who has from the get go reminded me of a younger Michael Keaton, plays a typical guy. I want to say more but I don't want to include any spoilers in my review. Sarah, beautiful Sarah. I will be looking for your beautiful face in more movies. Marvin, I seem to see you every where now that I know your face. Nena must have felt truly honored when you agreed to sign on as wonderful Marvin. When can we expect a sequel Ms. Eskridge.
Well done - Fantastic Indie Film
jpbouvier6 August 2019
What a fantastic little indie film!
I love when filmmakers working on a limited budget deliver. With great performances, and excellent cinematography, STRAY is absorbing, intimate and suspenseful indie storytelling at its best.
I look forward to seeing what writer/director Nena Eskridge has in store for us next!
I love when filmmakers working on a limited budget deliver. With great performances, and excellent cinematography, STRAY is absorbing, intimate and suspenseful indie storytelling at its best.
I look forward to seeing what writer/director Nena Eskridge has in store for us next!
Dark and unsettling!
Anmer937 September 2019
Quite a dark and unsettling piece, close to home in a lot of ways, the characters are scarily familiar and convincingly portrayed might I add. The direction and vision is refreshing with an overall atmosphere that stayed with me.
Good rainy day movie.
sugerpie-793064 November 2021
After seeing a few other of Gabrielle's movies. I gave this one a try. It's an Indie movie. But all in all it's pretty good to watch. I enjoyed it. I am not a huge horror movie fan. But this is more of a physiological thriller than anything.
Great Story
christines_necklaces23 March 2020
Everyone in this film was born to the role.
What a different and compelling story. i was riveted.
Thank you Amazon Prime for having a gem like this
for me to discover, watch again and recommend to friends.
Loved every minute of it!
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