(film review)

`Stranger` is a ukrainian film by Dmytro Tomashpolskyi which was made in 2019. This is a detective, thriller film, in which a team of six synchronised dancers disappears into the water during a performance in front of hundreds of spectators. This was the first unsolved case of Inspector Glukhovskaya during her years of impeccable police service. Five years later, she receives a new report of a disappearance. In a hydrotherapy center, a patient has disappeared from a room locked from the inside while taking a pine-pearl bath. To solve the case, Glukhovska goes to the spa, where even before she arrives, everyone knows who she is and why she is there.

`Stranger` was selected for competition at 27 international film festivals, where it won 15 awards. This film has a powerful aesthetic. There are many different colors which are used here. The main colors are blue, green, and white. These colors are cold but we see also accents in warm colors like yellow and red. That makes the film full of colors but also maintains a living water-themed atmosphere. You hold your breath when you watch this visual.

If we talk about the plot, it is quite surreal, but it is not an abstract set of events. It has a certain meaning and carries certain messages. The film reminds us of the importance of family and the terrible realities of loneliness. The film leaves so many questions about the plot for watchers but this is what gives room for imagination. `Stranger` also mentions cults, conspiracy theories and esotericism. All of the film’s characters are emotionless, which creates a certain mood and resonates well with the cold colors of the visual.

This film is recommended for people who like to look for subtexts and meanings. Also for those who want to make sure that Ukraine has good filmmaking skills.