The Business of Strangers
The Business of Strangers

Movie spotlight

The Business of Strangers

2001
Movie
84 min
English

A dark thriller about a successful businesswoman and her young assistant who toy with a slow-witted businessman while stuck at an airport hotel.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users76%
Director: Patrick StettnerGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious corporate executive, Julie Fox, finds herself stranded in a hotel on New Year's Eve after a business trip is canceled due to a snowstorm. She encounters her estranged, troubled older sister, Danika, who is a hotel housekeeper. As the night progresses, the sisters' complex relationship unravels, leading to a dangerous and psychologically charged encounter with a mysterious man.

Critical Reception

The Business of Strangers garnered mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising the performances of Julia Stiles and Angela Bettis, as well as the film's atmospheric tension and exploration of complex female relationships. However, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable or underdeveloped.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film is lauded for its strong performances, particularly from its lead actresses.

  • Critics appreciated the suspenseful and atmospheric tone.

  • Some reviewers felt the narrative could have been more impactful or original.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a positive reception, with many appreciating the intense performances and the dark, psychological themes. Some viewers found the ending to be unsatisfying or the plot a bit slow.

Fun Fact

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2001, where it gained attention for its performances and its tense, psychological thriller elements.

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