Librarian's Choice: Stray
Title: Stray
Director: Dustin Feneley
Stray is the feature-film debut of Dustin Feneley, and is, in the opinion of David from Hillcrest Library, one of the best New Zealand debuts in a long time. Jack (in an award-winning performance by Kieran Charnock) is on parole for grievous bodily harm and finds himself in a cabin in Central Otago. Here, he meets Grace (Arta Dobroshi), who is very far from home, seeking refuge but in a prison of her own making. Their two lonely worlds become intertwined, drifting to a place that can either hurt or heal.
Styles and Themes
The film is emotionally charged by captivating performances and burns away with slow intensity. Showcasing the beauty of Aotearoa in its frames, as well as the power of well-directed performance, Stray is a brilliant film to watch right now. Isolating yet expanding, this film will haunt you and break your heart. What it lacks in dialogue or action scenes is certainly made up for by its heart and the breathtaking look into self-acceptance.