Film: The Kindness of Strangers

'The Kindness of Strangers' is a little gem of a movie I found on Amazon Prime the other week. I was attracted by the title, as apart from Bill Nighy playing a cameo role as the owner of a failing Russian restaurant, I knew none of the actors or the director, Lone Sherfig, who also wrote the film. The film which was internationally co-produced and came out in 2019 is about the lives of those on the margins of society in New York. It shows how easy it can be to fall into homelessness and loneliness in a big city. This might sound a depressing subject but it isn't because, as the title suggests, it shows what a difference people can make to each other's lives. The film is both engrossing and inspiring as we get to know a cross section of New Yorkers, vulnerable in different ways, whose lives and stories collide as they seek love and belonging.

The film opens with a young woman (Zoe Kazan) sneaking out of her house early in the morning with her two young children. The trio drive off in the car buzzing with excitement for a day out in New York city. It becomes clear, however, as the film progresses, that this is not just some innocent adventure but the young mother is an abused wife, running away from a brutal husband. Her desire to protect her children provides the core of the film as her husband, a policeman, comes after her. The trio are constantly on the run looking for warm places to stay as snow falls round them. Through her story we learn how easy it is to fall into homelessness, but also how the kindness and understanding of strangers can make such a difference to the outcome of someone's life.

The heroine of the film is a kind hearted casualty nurse called Alice played by Andrea Riseborough., She helps out at a homeless shelter and runs a forgiveness group at the church where we meet more of the characters. But she too is troubled and lonely and on the edge, exhausted by the demands of her work and her life.

Just watching the film made me want to sign up and volunteer at a soup kitchen, as it underlines how important these places are for those on the margins, who need company and love as much as food. By learning people's different stories - you grow in compassion and understanding of those on the margins

In Frank Capra style there is a low key but happy ending for everyone. This might not be what always happens in real life but you emerge from the film feeling better about the world, with a desire to make a difference yourself, even if it is only for one person. Thus even if Jesus is not explicitly mentioned the gospel message of love of neighbour and bringing the kingdom of God permeates the film. So worth hunting out on Amazon Prime or other streaming platform.

Watch a trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tFwijz5SFQ