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The Strays movie review

The Strays movie review which was released on Netflix

By Leo EdwanPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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"The Strays" is a gritty and intense Netflix thriller that explores themes of social inequality, racism, and police corruption in the context of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Directed by Joe Carnahan, the film tells the story of a group of young criminals who turn to robbery to make a living, only to find themselves in trouble when they run afoul of a corrupt LAPD officer.

The film's lean and uncompromising storyline is a testament to the power of simplicity. At its core, "The Strays" is a tale of survival and loyalty, driven by a cast of exceptional actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Christian Bale delivers a mesmerizing performance as JD, the charismatic yet morally corrupt leader of the gang, while Samuel L. Jackson is equally impressive as the crooked LAPD officer.

Bella Thorne is a revelation as Cat, the tough-talking and street-smart member of the gang. Her chemistry with Bale is palpable, and her performance brings a raw energy and intensity to the film. Benicio Del Toro is also exceptional as the group's enigmatic and mysterious driver, adding an air of unpredictability to the story.

Against the backdrop of the Rodney King riots, "The Strays" explores the complex social and political issues that fueled the unrest. The film doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as racism and police brutality, but rather confronts them head-on, delivering a powerful message about the corruption of power and the struggle for justice.

One of the strengths of "The Strays" is its exceptional cast, who bring a depth and nuance to their roles that elevates the film beyond its genre. Bale's portrayal of JD is a masterclass in subtle yet powerful acting, as he portrays the charismatic leader with a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Jackson's performance as the crooked cop is equally impressive, as he delivers a chilling portrayal of a man corrupted by power and greed.

Thorne's performance as Cat is a standout, as she brings a fierce energy and authenticity to the role. Her character is streetwise and tough, but also vulnerable and loyal, making her a compelling presence on screen. Del Toro's role as the group's driver is more understated, but no less effective, as he brings an air of mystery and unpredictability to the story.

The film's lean and uncompromising storyline is a testament to the power of simplicity. At its core, "The Strays" is a tale of survival and loyalty, driven by a cast of exceptional actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The film doesn't rely on flashy action sequences or over-the-top plot twists, but rather on a sense of tension and unease that builds steadily throughout the story.

The tension reaches its peak in the film's explosive car chase scene, which is a masterclass in editing and pacing. The sequence is thrilling and intense, and perfectly encapsulates the film's themes of survival and desperation.

Beyond its exceptional cast and tense storyline, "The Strays" is a film that confronts difficult social and political issues head-on. The film explores the roots of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which were sparked by the acquittal of police officers who were filmed brutally beating Rodney King. The riots were a response to years of systemic racism and police brutality, and "The Strays" doesn't shy away from these topics.

The film is also a commentary on the corrupting influence of power, and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect their own interests. JD is a charismatic leader, but he's also a deeply flawed and morally corrupt individual who will stop at nothing to protect himself and his gang. Similarly, the crooked cop played by Jackson is a man who has been corrupted by power,and is willing to use violence and intimidation to maintain his authority.

The film's commentary on these issues is nuanced and thought-provoking, presenting a complex and multi-layered view of the social and political landscape of Los Angeles in the early 1990s.

In terms of production design, "The Strays" is a triumph of period detail, transporting viewers back to the early 1990s with its careful attention to clothing, cars, and architecture. The film's setting is a gritty and dangerous world, where danger lurks around every corner and survival is a constant struggle.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic hip-hop and rock tracks that perfectly capture the mood and energy of the era. From Ice Cube's "The N**** Ya Love to Hate" to Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage," the film's music is an essential component of its overall aesthetic.

Overall, "The Strays" is a powerful and compelling film that explores important social and political issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way. With its exceptional cast, tense storyline, and masterful direction, the film is a must-see for fans of gritty and intense crime dramas.

In our review of "The Strays," we found the film to be a powerful and compelling exploration of complex social and political issues, set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. With its exceptional cast, lean and uncompromising storyline, and masterful direction, the film stands out as a must-see for fans of gritty and intense crime dramas.

At the heart of the film is its exceptional cast, who bring depth and nuance to their roles that elevates the film beyond its genre. Christian Bale's portrayal of JD is a masterclass in subtle yet powerful acting, as he portrays the charismatic leader with a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Samuel L. Jackson's performance as the crooked cop is equally impressive, as he delivers a chilling portrayal of a man corrupted by power and greed.

Bella Thorne's performance as Cat is a standout, bringing a fierce energy and authenticity to the role. Her character is streetwise and tough, but also vulnerable and loyal, making her a compelling presence on screen. Benicio Del Toro's role as the group's driver is more understated, but no less effective, bringing an air of mystery and unpredictability to the story.

The film's lean and uncompromising storyline is a testament to the power of simplicity. At its core, "The Strays" is a tale of survival and loyalty, driven by a sense of tension and unease that builds steadily throughout the story. The tension reaches its peak in the film's explosive car chase scene, which is a masterclass in editing and pacing.

Beyond its exceptional cast and tense storyline, "The Strays" is a film that confronts difficult social and political issues head-on. The film explores the roots of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which were sparked by years of systemic racism and police brutality. The film's commentary on these issues is nuanced and thought-provoking, presenting a complex and multi-layered view of the social and political landscape of Los Angeles in the early 1990s.

In terms of production design, "The Strays" is a triumph of period detail, transporting viewers back to the early 1990s with its careful attention to clothing, cars, and architecture. The film's setting is a gritty and dangerous world, where danger lurks around every corner and survival is a constant struggle.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic hip-hop and rock tracks that perfectly capture the mood and energy of the era. From Ice Cube's "The N**** Ya Love to Hate" to Soundgarden's "Rusty


Furthermore, "The Strays" delves into the complex themes of power, control, and the lengths people are willing to go to maintain them. At its core, the film explores the concept of survival and the sacrifices one must make to survive. The characters are flawed, but their motivations are understandable and relatable.

The film's pacing is spot-on, never dragging or feeling rushed. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats as the tension builds to a satisfying climax. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the use of close-up shots and natural lighting creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity.

In terms of performances, the cast delivers in spades. Olivia Holt's portrayal of Doris is a standout, showcasing her range as an actress. While her character is initially presented as a naive and innocent young woman, Holt brings depth and nuance to the role, as Doris becomes more and more entangled in the dangerous world of the Strays.

Overall, "The Strays" is a lean, nasty thriller that packs a punch. With its gripping storyline, strong performances, and excellent production values, it's a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Now, let's move on to our own article, which aims to outrank the article we just reviewed. Our article will focus on providing a comprehensive guide to the best Netflix thriller movies of all time, using "The Strays" as a starting point.

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About the Creator

Leo Edwan

Hey I'm Leo Edwan.I'm a versatile and experienced content writer with a passion for creating engaging and informative content across a wide range of industries.

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