What I'm Watching #264

"The Stranger In Us" is an independent film about Anthony who up and leaves his grandmother's home in Virginia to be with a man he only recently met, Stephen, and move in with him in San Francisco. In no time, it is apparent that Anthony is as naive about the ways of the world as they come and Stephen has "issues"--lots of issues!

The film jumps from then and now with little warning but an annoying overlay of dates as the new time continuum begins. Had I been more focused on the movie, I might have appreciated that little special effect, but as it was the dates made no sense to me. The tension between the now and the then is the state of Anthony and Stephen's relationship and in the off again moments Anthony meets a street kid from Chico names Gavin. Don't let Gavin's lack of "age of majority" or means of gainful employment fool you, he's often the only adult on the screen.

There are moments where the film really shines, but most of it would have benefitted from some extra polish.