'We Strangers' Premieres at SXSW to Mixed Reviews

Anu Valia's directorial debut praised for visual style and performance by Kirby Howell-Baptiste, despite narrative criticisms.

'We Strangers,' a surreal psychodrama directed by Anu Valia, premiered at SXSW, drawing attention for its hypnotic storytelling and technical prowess.
The film, set in Gary, Indiana, follows Ray, a commercial cleaner, who gets entangled in a complex power dynamic with her employers and a stranger, leading to a series of deceptive interactions.
Critics are divided on 'We Strangers,' with some praising its ambitious visual style and character study, while others criticize its lack of narrative clarity and focus.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste's performance as Ray is highlighted as a standout, capturing the character's cunning and restlessness amidst her bizarre circumstances.
Despite mixed reviews, 'We Strangers' is noted for its potential, with Anu Valia's directorial debut showing promise in the realms of satire and social commentary.