We Strangers is a 2024 American drama that follows Rayelle “Ray,” a quick-witted commercial cleaner in Gary, Indiana who, after accepting extra work in affluent homes, becomes entangled in the unseen rules of class, race, and power that shape American society. As Ray navigates spaces where she’s traditionally overlooked, a small lie about being able to speak to the dead unexpectedly grants her influenceand forces her to confront the social boundaries that define her worth and identity. The film sharply explores economic inequality, racial dynamics, and the labor of invisible workers, turning domestic service into a lens for broader societal critique. Director Anu Valia’s debut feature mixes dark humor with unsettling insight, inviting audiences to question who gets to wield power and why. With its surreal twists and character-driven narrative, We Strangers offers both a thought-provoking story and a springboard for discussion about belonging and agency in today’s social landscape. 1 hr 27 min.
Winner of the New American Cinema Competition at the Seattle International Film Festival (Anu Valia) as well as the Festival Director’s Award at Woods Hole Film Festival (Kirby Howell-Baptiste)
Chips and popcorn will be provided, and facilitated discussion will follow the screening. Attend this event as part of Unity Week.