I Was a Stranger

An exhausted Syrian doctor and her daughter flee the siege of Aleppo, slipping into a dangerous path toward safety. Their flight sets in motion a chain of encounters that binds five strangers to a single, perilous moment. A seasoned smuggler searching for a shortcut, a battle worn soldier haunted by orders, a poet whose words keep him alive, a coast guard captain who believes duty still matters, and the two fugitives all confront a crisis that tests their courage, judgment, and humanity. Across crowded streets, perilous crossings, and dimly lit harbors, choices reverberate and loyalties are tested. The story centers on fragile humanity under pressure and the way small acts of mercy can ripple outward in unexpected ways.

Directed by Brandt Andersen, the drama thriller is built from an original screenplay that places nuanced characters at the center of a high tension situation. The cast features Yasmine Al Massri as Amira, Yahya Mahayni as Mustafa, Omar Sy as Marwan, Ziad Bakri as Fathi, and Constantine Markoulakis as Stavros. A 2026 release is anticipated.

Box office details have not been publicly released and there are no reported worldwide grosses at this time. The film appears to be in the early release phase, with festival play and selective theaters as possible pathways to visibility.

As of now there are no major nominations announced for the film. While the awards circuit may still take notice later, the current emphasis appears to be on the performances and moral questions rather than chasing trophies. The diverse ensemble has drawn comments for adding authenticity to the tense drama.

Early audience reception hints at strong engagement, with a user posted vote average of 8.0/10 on a single sample. Thematically the movie centers on courage and mercy under pressure, the ethics of assisting strangers, and the way disparate lives can intersect when danger narrows the margins between right and wrong.