When Strangers Appear

Around the same time that I picked up Session 9, I picked up this understated film. With no theatrical distribution in the US, it went virtually unknown and appeared only on the shelves of your local DVD shop. Quite unfortunate if you ask me, because it is an engaging cat and mouse chase thriller. With the cast being only 6 people, and an isolated diner in Washington State the viewer becomes just as involved with the situation as the main character.


Working at her late father’s once bustling diner during the day, Beth is visited by her only customer of the day thus far. A stranger who appears hurt and afraid asks to use her bathroom where he begins to tend to his wounds. He then sits to order, but disappears when three surfers enter the restaurant. They ask questions about the car parked out front, make small talk and order food. When entering the kitchen, Beth is cornered by the first stranger, Jack, who tells her that they are dangerous men who are trying to kill him and to not give his location away to them. Unsure of believing him and trusting the surfers, Beth tries to avoid the situation completely.

Drawn to Peter, Beth confides her worry when she discovers her friend is missing and is becoming increasingly harassed by the town sheriff who at one time took advantage of her. Everything takes a sharp turn when Beth discovers the item that everyone has been looking for hidden in her diner’s restroom.

Rarely does a movie as effective as this come along. Fans of this genre will not be disappointed.