Review published 8th February 2026

Watch the official trailer.

Shakespeare’s Warning on Strangers and Inhumanity

William Shakespeare’s words open this movie, quickly setting the scene: “Imagine that you see the wretched strangers. Their babies at their backs and their poor luggage, plodding to the ports and coasts for transportation. And that you sit as kings in your desires, authority quite silent by your brawl, but chartered unto them. What would you think, to be thus used? This is the strangers’ case. And this your mountainish inhumanity.”

From War Zone to Flight, A Mother and Daughter’s Fight to Survive

At the start of I was a Stranger, we follow ‘The Doctor’, who has been working for many hours on end. Outside the hospital walls lies a war zone, with various explosions that can be heard close by. The Doctor is so focused on her work that she is surprised when her daughter comes to visit, reminding her that it is her birthday and that her family, including her parents, have arranged a family dinner to celebrate.  However, the family evening ends in terror and tragedy when their home is bombed, leaving only The Doctor and her daughter still alive. The pair of survivors begin to question everything, including why this is happening and what they can do for the sake of their future. Now, they attempt to flee their once-beloved community, but the question remains: can they do so without getting caught?

Interwoven Lives, One Unfolding Fate

After the opening story of The Doctor, the film shifts focus to multiple other characters and their own personal stories. These include ‘The Soldier’, ‘The Smuggler’, ‘The Poet’, and ‘The Captain’. At various points in time, these characters do, in fact, cross paths, though when and how is revealed only as the story progresses. It is also important to note that no two stories or journeys are alike. Needless to say, the choices each character makes are deeply impactful and life-changing, not only for themselves but for one another. Some lead to positive outcomes, while others carry consequences that are heartfelt, dramatic, heavy, and deeply thought-provoking.

A Powerful Arabic Drama Driven by Compassion and Purpose

I Was a Stranger is a heavy drama film in Arabic, with subtitles. The film was both written and directed by Brandt Andersen, who clearly has a deep passion for stories centred on refugees.  Brandt’s past work includes the short film Refugee, released in 2020, which explored a similar storyline to this feature’s opening segment, The Doctor.

A Deeply Impactful Opening That Sets the Emotional Tone

I found this film was frequently heavy-hitting and deeply impactful. As stated earlier, no two stories here are the same. Some are more affecting than others, and the same can be said for the film’s pacing, given the different journeys and situations the characters find themselves in.  The film opens with The Doctor, and in my opinion, this short story is a perfect way to begin. Personally, it was the storyline that impacted me on the deepest level, followed by The Soldier and The Smuggler’s tales.

When Interwoven Stories Lose Their Emotional Grip

Interestingly, the film’s narrative tends to weaken as the film progresses. Yes, it is compelling to see how the stories and characters intertwine, but this element often becomes predictable. I frequently found myself watching and waiting for a character to appear in a location where I already knew another character would be.  As a result, the film’s emotional impact oddly diminished as it progressed. While this is clearly far from what the film intended or set out to achieve, I felt that as more stories were introduced, the drama lessened, and my level of investment declined. Even when the film reaches the conclusion and attempts to bring everything together, I could not help but wish for a far more powerful finale. This feeling also extended to the film’s intended messaging around the ongoing refugee crisis, a subject that remains deeply relevant and widely discussed today.

A Powerful Drama That Stumbles on Its Final Impact

Overall, I Was a Stranger intertwines multiple characters and stories, all filled with drama, tension, and moments of true devastation throughout. It is difficult not to be impacted by the film as it confronts the realities of war and the refugee crisis, a topic the film’s writer and director is clearly deeply passionate about.  I admired the film’s craftsmanship, particularly its costuming, sound design, background effects, and the unexpected explosions, which genuinely had me gripping my cinema chair. However, while the film gripped me to my core in its opening and several of the later stories remain dramatic and well-presented, I found the narrative’s overall impact weakened as the film progressed. The finale, in particular, did not land as strongly for me as the film clearly intended.  That said, it remains a terrific drama, well-acted throughout, and there is no denying the importance of its message and themes, especially in reminding viewers how deeply impactful our choices can be.

I Was a Stranger (2024) is Coming Soon to Australia!

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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