Watch The Straggler

The Straggler is an intense and gripping drama that follows the life of a young man named Adam, portrayed by James Rose, who becomes a convicted felon after committing a heist. The film is an independent production, released in 2020, that attempts to explore a story that follows the aftermath of a criminal offense. At the beginning of the movie, Adam is seen as a peaceful and compassionate individual who appears to have everything going for him. However, one unfortunate decision spirals his life into a whirlwind of regretful actions. Adam becomes desperate and lost, attempting to survive under harsher conditions into which he feels he was driven. As a result, he enters a world of unsavory characters and dangerous situations, through which we see his character development in a grey and morally ambiguous space.

The movie is set in a small suburb of a large city, which provides an eerie and melancholic backdrop. As the protagonist navigates his life post-prison, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery and harsh truths. Over time, Adam develops a new identity as he tries to find his place in society. The ideas of identity, personal responsibility, and the possible pursuit of redemption hold a tight grip on the story.

The Straggler is shot skillfully, with beautiful cinematography capturing the various shades of a small town. We instantly feel the emotions of the character and how they are affected by their surroundings. The color palette that the director used brilliantly contributes to the overall theme of the movie, exploring the inevitable feeling of loneliness when one is searching for their place in society.

James Rose's performance as Adam is impressive. He portrays the character with great subtlety, and his facial expressions indicate every emotion that Adam experiences. As the viewer, we come to empathize with the character, and his story resonates strongly with us.

The character of Adam is particularly compelling since he does not fit into a clear category of protagonist or antagonist. Instead, he is somewhere in the middle - a flawed and complicated character trying to do what he believes is right in a world where there are no simple answers. He is not painted as a victim or a hero, but as someone who was forced into a difficult position and will have to face the consequences of his actions.

The supporting cast of The Straggler is just as impressive as James Rose. Marcus Haslam gives an outstanding performance as Adam's best friend, Frankie. He adds another layer to the story beyond the primary narrative, as his character sees Adam as someone worth redeeming, rather than just another person who ruined his life.

In conclusion, The Straggler is a haunting and thought-provoking film. The movie stands out as an excellent example of indie filmmaking and story-telling that does not rely on outlandish plot twists or over-the-top action sequences to capture its audience. Instead, it offers a quiet and contemplative statement on the drawbacks of society and the consequences of our actions. The well-executed performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping story will leave you rooting for the protagonist and feeling somewhat haunted by his story.

The Straggler is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.