Watch Strays

Strays is a 1997 independent drama film directed by Vin Diesel himself, in his directorial debut. The movie stars Vin Diesel as Rick, a troubled and aimless young man living in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. The story follows Rick and his group of friends as they navigate through their difficult lives, dealing with issues of race, poverty, and violence.

The film opens with Rick running away from the police after stealing a car. It quickly becomes clear that he is a troubled young man, with no clear direction in life. He spends most of his days hanging out with his friends, smoking weed, and getting into trouble.

One day, while walking down the street, Rick meets a woman named Heather (Suzanne Lanza). Heather is a college student from a wealthy family who is doing community service in Hell's Kitchen. Despite their different backgrounds, Rick and Heather develop a strong connection and begin a turbulent relationship.

As Rick and Heather's relationship progresses, Rick begins to question his lifestyle and his future. He starts to feel trapped in his neighborhood and begins to dream of a better life. However, his friends are not happy with the changes they see in him and pressure him to stay true to their way of life.

At the same time, tensions between Rick's friends and a group of Puerto Rican guys from the neighborhood escalate, leading to a violent confrontation. Rick is caught in the middle of the conflict, struggling to find a way to stay true to his friends while also trying to do what's right.

Throughout the movie, Strays explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the struggle to escape the cycle of poverty and violence. The film portrays the harsh reality of life in Hell's Kitchen, where young people are forced to navigate a world of drugs, gangs, and police brutality.

Vin Diesel delivers a strong performance as Rick, portraying the character's inner conflict with nuance and depth. His directorial style, while raw and unpolished, effectively captures the gritty, urban vibe of the neighborhood. Joey Dedio, who plays Rick's friend Mike, also delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could have easily been a stereotypical tough guy.

The movie's soundtrack, which features tracks from Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, and other hip-hop artists, adds to the film's authenticity and helps to set the tone for the story. The music, combined with the film's realistic depiction of life in Hell's Kitchen, creates a powerful and immersive experience for viewers.

Overall, Strays is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in an urban community. While the film may not be for everyone, its exploration of complex themes and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of independent cinema. The film marks a promising debut for Vin Diesel as a director and sets the stage for his future work in the film industry.