I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

far to be great, it is a correct homework.and, for me at least, memorable for few tricks who are useful for create more than sketches of characters but realistic images of different types. the rules of thriller are respected, the story has many twins, the music represents inspired frame for story, the atmosphere of a small place in front with danger is plausible and Radha Mitchell does more than a good role. the basic virtue - the use of many clichés from genre in wise manner. and, in same measure, the science to explore ambiguity in smart manner. short, a decent thriller. maybe, little more. because it gives more than violence and tension, blood or innocent victims. but a story and not bad characters.

The plot is so full of absurdities it is difficult to stay and see if the rest of the film is any good at all. Radha Mitchell is a waitress in a café all by herself near an abandoned highway. No one there to manage the place or watch it while she steps out for a break? The drifter drives up with a surfboard on his car. It seems his friends are surfers in this setting which seems to be far inland somewhere in the US, so do they plan to use a lake instead? Her dialog is more like a one liner list from 2 Broke Girls. "If you're a thief, go ahead and steal everything right now." She's always drawing conclusions without a thread of anything real to support them. I also grow tired of pointless setup shots filled with closeups of coffee pots and frying eggs or the thirty year old song from Blondie, Atomic Man.

When Strangers Appear wasn't marketed very well to say the least - the trailer makes it out to be another Scream clone - and that's a real shame as this little thriller is an excellent film that really deserves to be more seen! New Zealand born director Scott Reynolds previously made the decent psychological thriller 'The Ugly', but with this film he really upped the bar. The beauty of When Strangers Appear is the fact that for most of the film, the audience never really knows what is going on, and that is exactly how a mystery thriller should be! The film starts off as we follow Beth to work. It seems like an ordinary (boring) day, until a strange drifter walks in. After giving him breakfast, he disappears when three surfers turn up. He claims that the surfers are following him and are also the reason for his stab wound. However, the trio of surfers have a very different story, as it transpires that the stranger appears to be a dangerous psychopath. After a shocking turn of events, Beth finds herself in the middle of an extremely dangerous situation.This film works thanks to the way that Scott Reynolds builds the atmosphere and tension. The central character, Beth, is very easy to feel for; while the supporting cast are all mysterious enough to generate interest themselves. The film is topped off by a whole host of brilliantly tense situations that help to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The bathroom scene is the biggest standout in this respect, and is positively nail biting! The isolated setting compliments the story excellently, and helps to build intrigue in its own right. The plot builds nicely throughout, and there's never a shortage of things happening. The fact that the film only features a handful of characters is certainly to its benefit too as it means that the film never loses its focus and this ensures that it's always easy to buy into the plot. It's true that When Strangers Appear isn't very substantial overall, but as a thriller it serves it's purpose well all the way up until the explosive ending and I see no reason why this film wont be enjoyed by anyone who takes the time to watch it. Very much recommended!

Am I the only one that disliked this? I found myself rooting for the villains. For surely Radha Mitchell was absolutely the worst actress ever. Her screaming, over acting and generally annoying presence made me want the three guys to do her in. No such luck. She survives. I didn't even find her that attractive. With acting talent that maybe goes to a 2 level, she ruined this film for me. Scott Mitchell who wrote and directed this must have been in cloud nine when he cast her, as everybody else wasn't that bad. I liked Josh Lucas and Barry Watson and would like to see more of these guys in a more likable movie. Glad this was on LMN TV as I didn't have to pay for it. If I did, I'd ask for my money back. What kind of a name is Radha anyway?