Review of "The Strays" (2023)

The Strays, a film currently streaming on Netflix, is a suburban horror movie that provides a tantalizing glimpse into the secretive lives of the almost-wealthy. It is a social thriller that exploits the fears of the upper-middle class and eventually turns into a home invasion film that overstays its welcome. It's the kind of movie that could either impress Jordan Peele or compel him to file a lawsuit.

Following in the footsteps of Get Out and Us, The Strays exposes the deep-rooted, racially driven rot of contemporary society and attempts to present its findings through an uncomfortably honest lens. Ashley Madekwe plays Neve, a Black woman who escaped an abusive life in a UK council estate and rebranded herself as an upper-middle class elite.

Neve can pass for white, a cruel twist of genetics that perhaps gave her the confidence to transform her entire identity. She is a successful professional who goes to classy garden parties and lives happily with her husband and two children in a fancy part of town. However, no one around her, including her new family, knows anything about her past. Neve's racism is so deeply ingrained that she wears a wig of straight hair to cover her natural curls, refusing to take it off even at home, as if her Blackness is a crime waiting to be discovered.

But things start to go wrong when two strangers begin showing up at random times in Neve's life, and begin to methodically unravel her perfectly crafted fake existence. Her paranoia goes unaddressed until she has a violent outburst towards her son, revealing that trauma takes different forms for everyone. Neve's husband recognizes that something is seriously wrong with her, and it's suggested that she has never been able to connect with her children, seeing in their mixed-race appearances hints of the past she has worked so hard to bury.

Director Nathaniel Martello-White displays a strong grasp of tone, ratcheting up the tension with a minimalist approach. The Strays is not for fans of the in-your-face horror cinema popularized by recent James Wan films. The narrative is separated into three Rashomon-style chapters; the first is presented from Neve's point of view, the second from the perspective of her two stalkers, and the third through the lens of her buried former identity. Despite the skill on display in The Strays, there is, however, a strong perspective problem here. More than once, you wonder why Neve is the protagonist of the story and not the two strangers.

In fact, presenting the two overtly Black characters in the film as the violent "villains," when the movie itself wants us to believe that they are the ones who have been wronged, is dicey optics at best, and self-defeating at worst. The Strays often ventures into potentially dramatic territory but leaves before exploring every rock.

Despite these issues, The Strays is still a film worth watching, particularly for those who appreciate slow-burning, socially conscious horror. The film is anchored by Ashley Madekwe's strong performance as Neve, who is both sympathetic and frustrating in equal measure. Her journey of self-discovery and acceptance is compelling, even as the film occasionally loses its focus.

The Strays may not be as sharp as Jordan Peele's masterpieces, but it is a worthy addition to the sub-genre of horror films that explore the insidious nature of societal decay. With its unsettling atmosphere and layered themes, the film is a thought-provoking examination of race, identity, and trauma. It may not always hit the mark, but it is still a bold and ambitious film that deserves to be seen.

Overall, The Strays is a well-crafted film that offers a unique take on the home invasion sub-genre of horror. It is a slow-burner that uses tension and atmosphere to keep the audience engaged, rather than relying on jump scares and gore. The film's themes of identity, race, and trauma are woven into the story with subtlety and depth, making it a socially conscious work of horror.

While the film has its flaws, including some problematic optics and occasional pacing issues, it is still a strong debut from director Nathaniel Martello-White. With a talented cast and a clear vision, The Strays is a film that horror fans and cinephiles alike should seek out on Netflix. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to immerse themselves in its unsettling world, it offers a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

The Strays joins a growing trend of socially conscious horror films that use the genre to explore deeper societal issues. In recent years, filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Ari Aster have brought a new level of sophistication to horror cinema, elevating it beyond mere scares and thrills. The Strays can be seen as part of this movement, offering a fresh perspective on the home invasion genre while also delving into complex themes.

One of the film's strengths is its focus on Neve, a complex and flawed protagonist who is both sympathetic and unsettling. As the story unfolds, we learn more about her traumatic past and how it has shaped her current identity. Through Neve, the film explores the ways in which society's expectations and prejudices can lead people to deny their own heritage and suppress their true selves.

The film also touches on issues of class and wealth, showing how the almost-wealthy can be just as vulnerable to insecurity and fear as those who are truly impoverished. Neve's desire to fit in with her upper-middle-class peers leads her to extreme measures, and ultimately exposes the fragility of her carefully constructed facade.

While the film's handling of race and identity is not perfect, it is clear that Martello-White and the cast were striving to address these issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The film's use of Rashomon-style chapters and shifting perspectives adds a layer of complexity to the story, and allows for multiple interpretations of the events that unfold.

In the end, The Strays is a film that rewards careful viewing and contemplation. It is a haunting and uncomfortable work of horror that offers much more than mere scares. For those willing to confront its challenging themes and unsettling imagery, it is a film that is sure to linger in the memory long after the credits roll.