“The Stranger”, family breakdown with a horror twist

A confession that will ultimately shatter the relationship between the two in a symbolic, apocalyptic crescendo that is sure to give rise to numerous interpretations amongst the audience.

There are many references that spring to mind when watching *The Stranger*, ranging from Goethe’s *Faust* and Thomas Mann’s *Buddenbrooks* to contemporary films such as *The Killing of a Sacred Deer*.

The screenplay is so full of references to the past that these risk detracting from the originality of the whole project, although it should be emphasised straight away that the film remains highly engaging from start to finish.

The credit goes above all to Strippoli’s rhythmic and gripping direction, which – particularly in the first half-hour – demonstrates that he has achieved remarkable maturity, even when directing a cast full of well-known faces: from Jasmine Trinca to Romana Maggiora Vergano and Adriano Gianni, right through to a devilish Valeria Bruni Tedeschi.

‘The Stranger’ is an imperfect film – not least because of a few exaggerations towards the end – but it possesses a magnetic charm that does not fade once the credits have rolled and continues to resonate for days afterwards.

“The Tree from Far Away”, a film by Ben Gregor starring Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield, takes a very different tone.

The two play a modern couple who are forced to leave the city and move with their three children to the remote English countryside.

Whilst the parents grapple with the challenges of a new beginning and try to adjust to a slower, quieter pace of life, the children explore their surroundings and make an extraordinary discovery.

Based on Enid Blyton’s famous series of children’s books and written by Simon Farnaby, it is an enjoyable fantasy story, full of warmth and the innocence that characterised the family classics of yesteryear.

There is no shortage of all-too-predictable plot twists, and as the minutes tick by there is a noticeable dip in pace, but the messages conveyed offer valuable food for thought and, on the whole, it is a film that is a pleasure to watch.