The Kindness of Strangers

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1:54

The Kindness of Strangers

2019

1h 52m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

20%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Ordinary, disparate strangers living in New York City go about their business. Clara runs away from her violent husband with her two boys and meets four people who are also going through difficult times. Alice, a nurse on the verge of cracking, Marc, accused of a crime he did not commit, John Peter, his lawyer, and Jeff, an unambitious man, find they are all connected as their paths intertwine.

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Critics Consensus

A talented onscreen ensemble is done no favors by The Kindness of Strangers, which searches for meaning and comes up empty.

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Tomris Laffly

RogerEbert.com

Feb 14, 2020

1.5/4

A syrupy brew thick with twee and an abundance of cringe-inducing moments pulling at heartstrings.

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Monica Castillo

TheWrap

Feb 14, 2020

The movie functions like one of those star-studded Garry Marshall ensemble movies but made terribly sad until the last few minutes, when a tacked-on happy ending arrives in time for the credits.

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Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

Dec 3, 2019

1/4

[D]ear lord, I've been searching high and low for something nice to say about this mess, and I have come up nearly empty.

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Cate Marquis

AWFJ.org

Oct 14, 2021

Audiences who like neat, tidy narratives might not like this film but its big-hearted sympathy for people on the margins of society and hope-filled belief in the power of kindness will win others over...

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Betsy Bozdech

AWFJ.org

Oct 14, 2021

With its poignant story, The Kindness of Strangers serves as a strong argument for the importance of really seeing those around us and opening our hearts to them.

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Nicole Ackman

Next Best Picture

Feb 1, 2021

4/10

[I]t gets mired down in so many interwoven plot lines and a frankly depressing tone that switches to hopeful on a dime.

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Deb T

@Deborahbe Feb 21, 2026

I loved this film. It was touching and kind of humble. I don’t know why it got such a low rating.

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joe d

@Welshboy Jan 19, 2025

Excellent acting, has exactly the right atmosphere for the New York story. Beautifully filmed & well crafted from an obviously v talented filmmaker. I can only assume the people who have given it bad reviews aren't much into storytelling and subtlety.

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Phil O

@RT89286514 Oct 4, 2022

I was very moved by this movie about kind souls caring for others that are down on their luck in this world and helping them to get back on their feet. Great complex characters. This is the kind of spirit the world needs.

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andrea j

@AGJones Sep 1, 2022

Absolutely brilliant movie, superb acting and a storyline that moved us. Well written, acted and directed, thank you for a heartwarming story.

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Aug 8, 2022

I love this movie. This is a great movie. However, police are not so bad as the story describes. Most policemen are good except a few.

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Jul 26, 2022

Decent cast, but the film doesn't use them very well. The script feels a bit uneven at times with too many characters and subplots to make compelling. The story is mostly fine, but the main character didn't seem to have any kind of plan other than steal and scavenge, hoping it works out somehow. The worst part of it is the ADR. It just isn't very well done and becomes obvious at times. Overall, it's just watchable enough.

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Lone Scherfig

Director

Jay Baruchel

John Peter

Zoe Kazan

Clara

Andrea Riseborough

Alice

Bill Nighy

Timofey

Caleb Landry Jones

Jeff

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Synopsis

Ordinary, disparate strangers living in New York City go about their business. Clara runs away from her violent husband with her two boys and meets four people who are also going through difficult times. Alice, a nurse on the verge of cracking, Marc, accused of a crime he did not commit, John Peter, his lawyer, and Jeff, an unambitious man, find they are all connected as their paths intertwine.

Director: Lone Scherfig
Producer: Malene Blenkov, Sandra Cunningham
Screenwriter: Lone Scherfig
Distributor: E1 Entertainment
Production Co: Arte, Creative Alliance, HanWay Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 6, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 14, 2020
Runtime: 1h 52m

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