Strange Days

In the final days of 1999, a former LAPD officer turned black market dealer of 'SQUID' recordings—digital recordings of memories and experiences—stumbles upon a series of brutal murder recordings. These tapes implicate powerful figures within the city's elite, forcing him and his cyber-vigilante friend to race against time to expose the truth before they become the next victims.

Strange Days received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its stylish direction, intense atmosphere, and relevant themes, though some found its plot convoluted and its violence excessive. Audiences were more divided, with the film struggling at the box office, possibly due to its dark tone and the public's unease with its depiction of technology and societal decay.

• Praised for its ambitious, near-future vision and Kathryn Bigelow's kinetic direction.

• Noted for its prescient exploration of voyeurism, technology, and social unrest.

• Criticized by some for its graphic violence and complex, sometimes hard-to-follow, narrative.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's unique premise and thrilling execution, with many highlighting its innovative take on virtual reality and memory recording. Some viewers found the plot dense and the violence overwhelming, but most agreed it was a thought-provoking and intense cinematic experience.

The film's script was co-written by James Cameron, who also served as a producer. He famously developed the concept for the 'SQUID' device after reading about the potential for technology to record and transmit experiences.