Stranger by the Lake

Strand Releasing | Release Date: January 24, 2014

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 75 Ratings

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LowbrowCinemaFeb 3, 2014

Sexually explicit but narratively implicit, STRANGER BY THE LAKE is far too metaphorical for it's own good. Restrained direction brings to mind a Patricia Highsmith novel but unfortunately, STRANGER is too direct in its use of sex as aSexually explicit but narratively implicit, STRANGER BY THE LAKE is far too metaphorical for it's own good. Restrained direction brings to mind a Patricia Highsmith novel but unfortunately, STRANGER is too direct in its use of sex as a metaphor for the thrill of danger and death. Superb performances and wonderful cinematography all serve the director beautifully and there are a amazing set pieces but it ultimately STRANGER becomes simply cold and lifeless.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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haukynJan 26, 2014

Am in two minds about this film. I didn’t like it. The story of a serial killer at work in a small gay cruising community. Seemed almost anti-gay. On the other hand, though, no question but that it was powerful. Almost theatrical, with aAm in two minds about this film. I didn’t like it. The story of a serial killer at work in a small gay cruising community. Seemed almost anti-gay. On the other hand, though, no question but that it was powerful. Almost theatrical, with a limited number of repeated sets. It's like a series of repeated scenes, with each scene moving the story on. You can admire the film-making craft, But there were puzzling elements, annoying details too. In the end I decided to read the film as an AIDS allegory …. but maybe that was from a desire to make sense of what would otherwise be a nasty & pointless thriller.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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foxgroveJan 24, 2014

Here we have a film that is constantly intriguing as it unfolds. A careful build up observes the characters in minute detail and predictability is kept at bay. I thought I knew exactly where events were heading only to have the rug pulledHere we have a film that is constantly intriguing as it unfolds. A careful build up observes the characters in minute detail and predictability is kept at bay. I thought I knew exactly where events were heading only to have the rug pulled from under me towards the end. Unfortunately, it is with the ending that I take issue. The story becomes more unbelievable as it progresses, silly even, and the last scenes are very unsatisfactory. Finally, I was left questioning exactly what had transpired. The look of the film is gorgeous with the lake itself providing a great backdrop to the action (so to speak). However, the unwary should be informed that there are scenes of male nudity and explicit sex.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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ScribeHardJul 7, 2014

One person finding themselves in love with a murderer is as old as moviemaking itself, but with Stranger by the Lake, Guiraudie finds a new and captivating way to present that tale. By the end of the first half, I found myself wanting more.One person finding themselves in love with a murderer is as old as moviemaking itself, but with Stranger by the Lake, Guiraudie finds a new and captivating way to present that tale. By the end of the first half, I found myself wanting more. Unfortunately, the second half taught me to be careful what I wish for.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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davfitOct 16, 2014

Interesting ..Porn or not... Well shot.... Characters.. all depressed gay men ? why would someone put themselves in harms way ...for Sex... Love .. It took some risks bringing hardcore sex to a film which was a shock ..There's Reality in thisInteresting ..Porn or not... Well shot.... Characters.. all depressed gay men ? why would someone put themselves in harms way ...for Sex... Love .. It took some risks bringing hardcore sex to a film which was a shock ..There's Reality in this film ..which was spot on..It certainly keeps you thinking and holds you in, even I thought of turning it off..What really bugged me was the Detective looking for a murderer in the dark no less.. alone and no gun..why.... but I admit it left a impact.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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