Netflix's 'disturbing' crime drama based on real-life tragedy is 'addictive' to watch

Initially launched in 2022, this gripping crime thriller continues to captivate audiences as glowing reviews pour in, with critics hailing the film as "excellent".

If you're hunting for your next binge-watch for a cosy evening indoors, The Stranger might just be the perfect choice, as it delivers plenty of suspense rooted in real-life horrors.

The book, The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer by Kate Kyriacou, served as inspiration for the film, which chronicles the investigation into a child's disappearance.

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An undercover copper, portrayed by Joel Edgerton, is given the mission of building a tight bond with key suspect Henry Peter Teague, brought to life by Sean Harris.

Whilst Henry has been worn down by years of gruelling labour and backbreaking toil, his budding friendship with Mark represents everything he's ever yearned for, reports the Express.

Yet neither man is quite what he seems, as both guard their dark secrets jealously.

Meanwhile, the police's nationwide manhunt intensifies as they inch closer to uncovering the long-sought truth about who killed the youngster.

"Brilliant, just brilliant," one viewer wrote on review platform Rotten Tomatoes.

They added: "Edgy, disturbing, paced, enough without too much being said... Do yourself a favour. Plug in and shake yourself."

Another viewer said: "Stunning film. No other film in a long time had me as gripped and absorbed as this, even more so on the second watch. Truly visceral, but there's no denying you need to steel yourself for it.

"I particularly enjoyed the score and the varying blends of tension and mood drifting throughout."

While someone else added: "Starts off slow but gets addicting onwards. The acting by both leads is really good."

The Stranger holds an almost flawless review rating of 92%, and it's not merely viewers watching the Australian thriller from their sofas who are singing its praises - critics are equally impressed.

One reviewer was particularly struck by the film's stripped-back approach, noting: "Generating an increasingly tense, immersive atmosphere, director Thomas M. Wright gets some intense performances from his leads in a skilfully minimalist film."

Another cinema-goer echoed praise for the movie's understated style, describing it as a "slow burn".

They wrote: "Excellent slow burn crime drama with hints of thriller. Very well executed, patient yet not trying. Delivers its content on its own terms, yet it's worth coming to grips with its pace instead of demanding preconceived expectations be met. Unique, mature, worthwhile."

Written and helmed by Thomas M. Wright, The Stranger made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, ahead of its limited Australian cinema run.

It eventually launched globally on Netflix in October, where it garnered considerable acclaim. However, not all viewers were impressed with the film's leisurely tempo.

One critic said: "I never turn something off thinking it will get better. I don't think I have ever been more surprised by the good reviews than I was with this. This was so slow and just not that good at all."

To discover just how gripping this crime thriller truly is, the entire one hour and 57 minutes of The Stranger is currently available to watch on Netflix.