Netflix crime thriller based on real life murder case leaves viewers 'shaken'

Thomas M. Wright's gripping 2022 psychological crime thriller, The Stranger, takes its dark narrative from Kate Kyriacou's non-fiction book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer.

The film delves into the harrowing murder investigation of 13 year old Daniel Morcombe, casting a light on the child abduction case and following undercover cop Mark Frame (Joel Edgerton) as he embarks on a sting operation to befriend prime suspect Henry Teague (Sean Harris).

Making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 within the Un Certain Regard section, The Stranger later enjoyed a limited theatrical release in Australia before Netflix picked it up for global streaming later that year.

Critics have showered The Stranger with praise, evidenced by its impressive 92 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has been hailed as "a standout, a high-octane look into the pursuit of a criminal – a compelling and measured film that delivers," while others have praised it as "Taut and effective."

The producers of The Stranger have issued a statement regarding the film's sensitive subject matter: "The Stranger is a fictionalised account of the undercover police operation that resulted in a successful murder prosecution.

"Out of our deepest respect for the family, the name of the victim is never mentioned in the film and the film does not depict any details of the murder. Nor is the family represented in the film in any way.

"Instead it tells the story of the unknown police professionals who committed years of their lives and their mental and physical health to resolve this case and others like it. When the film was first in development, the producers approached the family to make them aware of the film. They declined to be involved. It is a decision we continue to respect."

Critics have weighed in on The Stranger with one review highlighting: "The Stranger offers strong, subtle performances from its leads, and a freshly vital approach to familiar material."

Another reviewer lauded the director's skill: "Wright artfully directs his film with the kind of precision that'll keep you hanging on to every shot."

Audiences have also shared their thoughts, with one viewer exclaiming: "Brilliant, just brilliant. Edgy, disturbing, paced, enough without too much being said... do yourself a favour. Plug in and shake yourself."

Meanwhile, another viewer was captivated by the film: "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. Superb lead performances and a great example of a low budget/big impact production."