Movie Review: The Stranger

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Screened at Stockholm International Film Festival 2025

This compelling black-and-white crime drama is thought-provoking thanks to its unique approach, powerful acting, and subtle storytelling.

Based on Albert Camus’s famous novel, The Stranger tells the story of Meursault, a young man on trial for murder. Though the story seems simple, Meursault is a complex character. The novel explores how his seemingly uncaring attitude and lack of religious belief shape his destiny, leading him down a predetermined and unavoidable course.

Filmed in striking black and white, director François Ozon uses a similarly detached style to portray the story. This choice mirrors the main character’s distant and analytical view of the world, while also creating a visually beautiful and subtle film. Based on a novel many thought impossible to adapt—because it’s told entirely from the character’s internal thoughts and lacks typical plot action—this unusual drama builds suspense through the character’s unemotional behavior. He doesn’t explain his feelings, or lack thereof; he simply is within that state.

This film, set in 1930s Algeria, follows Meursault as he struggles with society’s expectations and his relationships. He faces judgment early on, starting at his mother’s funeral, because he doesn’t express grief in a way others expect. He simply acknowledges her death, and this sets a disturbing mood for what’s to come, ultimately leading to a shocking act of violence. By weaving together themes of crime and racial conflict, The Stranger challenges us to think about what is right and wrong as Meursault rebels against social norms.

Meursault is a strangely fascinating character who reacts to the more vibrant people around him. His decisions about a relationship and a conflict with a local man drive the film toward a striking and impactful climax. The actors deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to Ozon’s vision. Though playing a character with limited emotion could easily fall flat, Benjamin Voisin skillfully uses small, nuanced expressions to create a captivating and subtly off-balance portrayal.

“Well, I didn’t come for the waters.”

Rebecca Marder plays Marie and brings depth and warmth to the film as a romantic partner for the main character. Denis Lavant and Pierre Lottin contribute a rougher edge to The Stranger as neighbors who strangely find solace in Meursault’s acceptance of behaviors and circumstances that society often condemns.

The story stays mysterious and thought-provoking, constantly keeping viewers off balance with the main character’s situation. Meursault avoids responsibility by letting life happen to him, instead of actively making choices like a traditional hero. This hands-off approach feels unique, especially in stories that usually focus on strong, decisive characters.

Albert Camus’ The Stranger is a skillfully crafted story about a detached man whose emotional distance ultimately leads to a dramatic confrontation. Though some may find the story unfolds slowly, its attention to detail creates a subtle, impactful, and truly insightful experience.

The bottom line: Provocative

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2026-01-27 12:43