Netflix has acquired Australian crime thriller The Stranger, which stars Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris.
The film debuted in Cannes this year, and is based on a true story of a murder suspect and an undercover operative who share an uneasy friendship. The film will hit Netflix in October.
“With The Stranger I wanted to make a psychological crime film that took audiences into a place that is hidden — a film that was authentic and realistic in its detail, but also immersive and cinematic,” said director Thomas M. Wright.
“A film that demanded attention and investment. A film that an audience could lean into – and fall into.
“I centred the film on people who didn’t know the victim, but who devoted years of their lives — and their mental and physical health — to them; because though violence is the reason for this film, it is not its subject. Its subject is the connections between people. That means that, for me, this is a film defined by empathy.”
Before hitting Netflix, the film will have an Australian theatrical release.
“For an independent Australian film to premiere in Official Selection in Cannes — and then be brought to the largest audience anywhere as a Netflix film is unprecedented,” Wright continued.
“We couldn’t be more proud of this film or to be partnering with Netflix to release it to an international audience.”
