The Stranger snuck onto Netflix with minimal fanfare the same way it stalks its way into viewers’ minds, leaving lingering chills and a lasting impression well after the credits roll. This serial killer movie is based on a true story, where a person of interest (named Henry Teague in the film and played by Sean Harris) was suspected of abducting a child and the Australian police force launched a sting operation to coax out a confession. The true story is horrifying enough, but director Thomas M. Wright’s film is a masterclass in dread, allowing the creeping feeling to pervade each element of the narrative, atmosphere and characters. Joel Edgerton also joins the cast as undercover cop Mark, who works closely with Henry, delivering a haunting performance that adds to how a crime can impact anyone associated with it.

‘The Stranger’ Is Based on a True Story

Everything about The Stranger grips you in a cocoon of dread, even from the very beginning where the words “based on a true story” flash across a black screen. It is inspired by a real Australian sting operation that occurred during an 8-year manhunt for Brett Peter Cowan, who was investigated for abducting and murdering 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe (James Liston in the film). As Edgerton told The Sydney Morning Herald, the names of everyone had been changed to protect their identities, not even meeting with the real undercover cop “because [they] were investigating the truth, taking that truth and telling a fictionalized version of it, which is about protecting everyone involved.”

Mark’s real counterpart did indeed befriend the suspect and drew him into a fake crime ring that the police set-up in hopes of recording a confession, which is legal and admissible in court in Australia. The film is based on a book that detailed the covert operation, The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe’s Killer by crime reporter Kate Kyriacou, but much of the story is fictionalized. This allows The Stranger to convey the true dread that eclipsed every part of the investigation, made more effective by Wright’s strong direction. The film flashes between Mark and Henry working together and the background police work, constantly reminding us that Henry, who comes off as a regular albeit strange man, is actually far more sinister underneath.

Dread Creeps Into the Atmosphere of ‘The Stranger’

Image via Netflix

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We are constantly reminded of Mark’s goal and await the confession, creating an impending sense of doom to the friendship and the ordeal. When we first meet Henry, he is meeting a stranger on the bus who introduces him to Mark and offers him a job in this elusive crime enterprise. Harris masters the vacant stare of a haunted man and frequently mutters he “doesn’t do violence,” creating an eerie screen presence that unwillingly draws our eyes to him. As the film and the central “friendship” progress, Harris pairs his enigmatic air with convulsions of mania, sending waves of shock through us as he disrupts the quiet gloom of the film.

Dim lighting strains our eyes throughout the film, interrupted mainly by cold and harsh scenes of the police work, helmed by Jada Alberts as the lead detective. The darkness makes the events feel corrupt and underhanded, as if it is corroding the film from the inside, burdened by the weight of its material. Combined with the creeping score, each narrative beat leaves us deeply unsettled. Meanwhile, the white lights of the police scenes and Alberts’ somber narration act as a guiding truth and exposition that reminds us of our purpose, inducting us into the investigation too.

Edgerton Plays a Haunted Undercover Cop in ‘The Stranger’

The dread curdled up by these events leaves no one untouched, especially Mark, who has to deal with the cost of a secret identity and the impact Henry’s darkness has on him. Edgerton’s heavy performance portrays the burden of this traumatic kind of work, as he keeps his sentences short and his gaze is often adrift when not undercover. Even the disguise aspect is disturbing, as he sports the rugged beard and hunched demeanor that mirrors Henry, allowing the similarities to subliminally connect them. This is made even more disconcerting through the innocuous scenes of Mark with his son, reminding us of the inner turmoil he must feel — he is trying to befriend and identify with a suspected child killer.

Wright assiduously explores Mark’s inner conflicts with dream sequences that are woven seamlessly into the narrative. He is frequently woken up by the face of Henry pervading his dreams, with one distinct nightmare tapping into his paternal love, where Henry sits serenely at the base of his son’s bed. Mark’s fears, uncertainties and the undulating pressure placed on him are manifested in these doom-laden scenes, building the inescapable dread as the consequences of this sting operation claim Mark, Henry, police officers and us in its dark grip.

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The Stranger

Release Date

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October 6, 2022

Runtime

117 minutes

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Director

Thomas M. Wright

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  Jada Alberts

  Detective Kate Rylett

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  Fletcher Humphrys

  Detective Graham Ikin

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Mandy Moore is getting real about the “upsetting” drama that occurred between her and fellow celebrity, Ashley Tisdale. Speaking with Andy Cohen on his radio show, “Radio Andy,” the “This Is Us” star said that the feud between her and the Disney Channel alum cut her “to the core” because it painted her in a negative light.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Tisdale wrote in January 2026 for The Cut about leaving her “toxic” mom group, claiming the group of celebrity moms intentionally left her out of hangouts and group events.

While Tisdale didn’t name names, the internet concluded she was referring to Duff, Moore, and other celebs, including Meghan Trainor. “I was starting to feel frozen out of the group, noticing every way that they seemed to exclude me,” Tisdale wrote in her essay.

She eventually said that she chose to leave the group, but not before sending a final text, which read, “This is too high school for me, and I don’t want to take part in it anymore.”

During Mooe’s chat with Cohen, she seemed to confirm that the essay was about her, calling the public letter “very upsetting.”

Moore Said It Was ‘Wild’ For Ashley Tisdale To Speak So Publicly About Their Circle Of Friends

“It’s wild to have anybody talk about your life, and I know Hilary [Duff] has sort of mentioned this too,” Moore said. “It’s like we both have grown up in this business and had people dissect who we are and the choices we make and all of that, but this was something altogether different and decidedly way more upsetting.”

She added, “It just cuts to the core.”

For Moore, she didn’t seem too worried about what Tisdale said, but more so about how it would shape people’s thoughts about her.

“The most important thing in my life is being a kind person and like that legacy of kindness, and anyone even insinuating that that might not be the case, and with the company that I choose to keep, is very upsetting,” she said. I’d say that was the biggest takeaway, sort of the shock of like, ‘Wow.’”

Moore Says She Wouldn’t Have Handled The Situation The Same Way Ashley Tisdale Did

As the conversation continued, Moore said that while she’s not fond of confrontation, she would’ve found a different way to handle her issues with a friend.

“It’s not always like the most comfortable of situations, but I think that’s where I sort of differed in feeling like I wouldn’t have handled the situation this way,” she said.

Continuing, Moore said that another reason her fallout with Tisdale hurt was that it reinforced stereotypes about female friend groups.

“… it just sort of it perpetuates this silly trope that women can’t be supportive of one another and that we’re inherently petty and that we’re inherently out to one-up each other, and I have not felt that one iota since becoming a parent,” she said.

Duff Said She’s Dealt With Friendship Fallouts Before

Duff also spoke out about the drama with her Disney peer, according to a previous report from The Blast, saying that she was used to dealing with issues like this.

“I mean, this is not new for me,” she said. “I’ve had this since I was maybe 15 and starting to get followed around by paparazzi.”

Before that, Duff spoke with Jake Shane on his podcast, “Therapuss,” and said that she’s developed stellar discernment over the years regarding friends.

“I’ve always had a really good gauge of people. I think it’s, like, a little talent that I have. I have really good friends, and it doesn’t take me long to figure someone out or just figure out that someone’s not for me,” Duff said.

Duff Has Had To Cleanse Her Friendship Cirlce In The Past

For Duff, cleansing her friendship circle is essential to her well-being. She said that she’s had to “edit” her group in the past, adding that navigating friendships after arguments can be “overwhelming.”

“I just always want my side of the street to be clean. You know what I mean? I don’t want to make anyone feel bad by my actions. I’d rather have a conversation about it,” she said.

Pete Davidson may be saying goodbye to Staten Island, but according to the people who lived around him, the comedian is leaving behind a pretty stellar reputation. Months after selling his luxury waterfront condo, Davidson’s former neighbors are speaking out, revealing that the “Saturday Night Live” alum was far from your typical celebrity resident.

Christopher Campbell, president of the condo board at Davidson’s former building, recently praised the comedian for being respectful, approachable, and surprisingly down-to-earth.

“He was polite, he was nice to everyone,” Campbell told SILive.com. “If he’s on the elevator and he doesn’t know the person, he would introduce himself, and people just thought of him as their neighbor.”

Campbell, who lived near Davidson for years at the Accolade Condominium at 90 Bay Street Landing in Staten Island’s St. George neighborhood, said the comedian always made an effort to be considerate despite his fame.

Davidson Tried To Keep Kim Kardashian’s Visits Low-Key

According to Campbell, Davidson even went out of his way to avoid causing headaches for neighbors when famous guests came by, including ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian. “When he was dating [Kim Kardashian], she would come here… and he thought of his neighbors, and he didn’t want to have an entourage blocking the front entrance, so he would take the side door to be polite,” Campbell recalled.

The condo board president also shared that Davidson frequently hosted celebrity friends, turning the building into an unexpected hotspot. “He used to bring his celebrity friends, so you never know who you’re going to meet in the building,” Campbell said. “Miley Cyrus has been here, Kid Cudi, Machine Gun Kelly.”

Pete Davidson Had A Sweet Response To Late-Night Fan Encounter

One story in particular stood out to Campbell. Shortly after moving into the building, Davidson reportedly had a young fan repeatedly ringing his doorbell late at night. “There was a young girl that was ringing his doorbell at like one o’clock in the morning, and I’m the president in the building,” Campbell explained.

After offering to intervene, Campbell said Davidson handled the situation with kindness. “So I said, ‘Well, what do you want to do? You want me to speak to the mother?’” Campbell recalled. “He said, ‘Nah, it’s just a young girl, she’s excited, she’ll realize I’m just Pete,’ and that’s exactly what happened.”

Campbell added, “He had such a nice way about him.”

Davidson Received A Heartfelt Goodbye After Condo Sale

Campbell later penned a farewell letter to Davidson after learning the comedian had sold the property. In the note, he reportedly thanked Davidson for being “friendly, approachable, and respectful to everyone around” him and praised the actor for bringing “a special energy” to the building.

Davidson originally purchased the nearly 1,600-square-foot condo in 2020 for $1.2 million, later selling it this month after multiple price cuts and renovations.

The sale came amid reports that Davidson and girlfriend Elsie Hewitt recently split just months after welcoming their daughter, Scottie Rose. Although Davidson and Hewitt are reportedly committed to co-parenting their baby girl, insiders claim the split appears to be permanent. “He’s always been consistently supportive. He wants her to be in a good place. There’s a baby involved, and that’s their priority,” one insider shared of the couple’s current relationship.

According to sources, while the pair are prioritizing Scottie and working together as parents, reconciliation is currently not in the cards. “They are done. There have been problems throughout their relationship, and things are not good between them at all. They haven’t been for a while,” another insider claimed. “They tried working things out but decided it was best to go their separate ways.”

Pete Davidson Is Reportedly Supporting Elsie Hewitt And Daughter Financially

Even after the breakup, insiders claim Davidson is continuing to step up in a major way for Hewitt and their daughter. A source close to the former couple told Page Six that the comedian has been doing everything possible to make sure both Hewitt and baby Scottie feel supported during the transition. “Pete is doing everything to be super supportive to Elsie, he’s changed his schedule, and done everything he can to be there physically and financially so Elsie can feel supported,” the insider alleged.

According to the source, Davidson has also reportedly taken on the financial responsibilities tied to both Hewitt and their baby girl. “Pete has been paying for everything related to Elsie and Scottie,” the insider claimed, including “the rent, their living expenses, their health insurance.”

While the source acknowledged there had been “personal disagreements” and a “breakdown in the relationship,” they insisted Davidson remains “fully committed to being a good dad.”

Pete Davidson‘s split from model Elsie Hewitt seems to be quickly taking a left turn after she claimed she is the only one raising their baby.

Rumors of the couple’s split were recently confirmed after sources close to the pair revealed that they had broken up amicably as their relationship faced different “stressors.”

Now, insiders claim Elsie Hewitt’s latest remarks in a candid video about raising a child on her own have left Pete Davidson in shock.

Hewitt has left Davidson scratching his head over her comments about being her daughter’s only parent following her split from the comedian.

In a video shared on her Instagram page, the model addressed critics who picked apart her somewhat disheveled appearance during a recent outing, stating that looks are no longer her priority.

“That’s not what I’m thinking about right now, because I have a baby to take care of, and I also have to work and make money, and I’m doing it on my own, which is hard,” Hewitt said.

While her remarks weren’t directly aimed at Davidson, sources revealed they have left the comedian stunned because he is “very present” in their baby’s life.

Speaking to Us Weekly, an insider said, “He wants nothing but the best for Elsie, and he shoulders all of the financial costs, including the costs for Elsie, her rent, and her health insurance. Elsie’s posts caught everyone around them off guard because they are simply not true.”

Elsie Hewitt Specified That She Is Caring For Their Daughter All By Herself

Besides claiming she was raising her daughter on her own, Hewitt also said in her video that she was “exhausted,” hence why she didn’t look “nicer” in the viral photos of her with her daughter, Scottie.

Her remarks led to a flood of comments from concerned fans, with many unsurprisingly calling out Davidson.

One person noted, “I loved Pete and respected his craft. But if that man really left you doing things on your own, that’s so low of him. Unacceptable!”

Another said, “That man was a walking red flag,” while a third noted that he should “pay up.”

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A particular commenter asked Hewitt to clarify her claims in a bid to know if the model meant she was solely financially responsible for her daughter, to which she responded, “I am :),” per reports.

Pete Davidson And Elsie Hewitt’s Romance Was Strained By Various ‘Stressors’

According to Us Weekly, a source revealed that Davidson and Hewitt are still “sorting things out as it pertains to their split.”

They also hinted at the reason behind the couple’s breakup, noting that their becoming parents despite their relationship still being fresh played a major role.

“They tried to make it work, but there were different stressors, including having a baby together as two people who didn’t yet know each other that well,” the source said.

Davidson and Hewitt are, however, “both trying to make it work and have made accommodations in their schedules for the baby.”

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Regarding a possible reconciliation, the source noted that it is “very unlikely” for the duo ever to reunite “romantically.”

While neither Davidson nor Hewitt has officially addressed claims of their split, sources revealed it was ultimately the comedian who ended things.

Hewitt reportedly did all she could to make the relationship work, but Davidson “decided he was done” and ready to move on from their romance.

A source speaking to journalist Rob Shuter’s “Naught But Nice” Substack noted that the former couple’s relationship cracked under the pressure of becoming first-time parents.

This is said to have exposed how little the couple knew of each other before having a child together.

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“They confused intense chemistry with long-term compatibility,” the insider said. “They thought having a baby would be exciting and bring them closer together. The reality was the complete opposite.”

Elsie Hewitt And Pete Davidson Talked About Having More Kids

Barely a month after welcoming their daughter, Hewitt and Davidson hinted at the possibility of having more children together.

During an appearance for a campaign promo, the comedian shared how excited he was about being a father, noting that he would love for baby Scottie to have a sibling.

“We want her to have a friend, for sure,” Davidson told Us Weekly in early January 2026. “We love the idea of her being a big sister.

Hewitt, for her part, said that the thought of having another child fresh off a pregnancy was “insane,” but admitted that the “process” of giving birth was both “incredible” and “empowering.”

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“The idea of making another one and making a sibling is something I’ve already been like, ‘I want to do it again,’” she added. “They’re so tiny when they come out, and they grow so fast. It’s crazy.”

Director Jon Favreau is hoping that audiences show their love for Baby Yoda when “The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits theaters later this week. The film follows three seasons of “The Mandalorian,” which first debuted on Disney+ in 2019. Ironically, that same year was the last time that a “Star Wars” film – 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker” – was shown in theaters. Although the last installment in the Skywalker Saga was divisive, to say the least, Lucasfilm is hoping that “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will appeal to audiences, especially due to the inclusion of Baby Yoda.

According to Favreau, there’s a difference between “Disney cute” and “Star Wars cute,” and he has no problem admitting that even cute things in a galaxy far, far away can look a little “weird.”

“The cute stuff in ‘Star Wars’ tends to be a little weird-looking,” Favreau told CBS News while promoting his new film. “It’s not like ‘Disney cute,’ it’s ‘Star Wars cute.’ And so, he’s got weird little hairs and sharp little teeth in there and wrinkly skin, and claws!”

The detailed construction of the puppets was intentional. “There’s an analog, handmade feel to a lot of the characters and a lot of the costumes and a lot of the puppets from ‘Star Wars,’” he explained. 

Favreau Admitted He Didn’t Realize Grogu Would Be A ‘Phenomenon’

Although Grogu was created to appeal to a younger audience, Favreau admitted that he didn’t realize how big the character was until he saw the giant balloon during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“We didn’t realize quite what a phenomenon it would be. And then when we saw the balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, that’s when it kind of – as a New Yorker – it really hit me,” Favreau explained. “Like, ‘Wow! This has really hit another level.’ The whole thing’s surreal.”

Favreau grew up in Queens with his father, but he never thought that becoming an actor was a possibility for him. Still, with the encouragement of his father, he dropped out of college and started taking improv classes in Chicago.

Jon Favreau Talks The ‘Father-Son Relationship’ In ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

Even though the Mandalorian and Grogu are not biological father and son, there are a lot of father-son relationship themes explored in a galaxy far, far away. The theme of found family is also one that is touched upon a lot in the franchise.

“Father-son relationships have always been a big part of ‘Star Wars,’” Favreau explained. “This is one of the most positive father-son relationships in ‘Star Wars,’ and, ironically, they’re not related in any way. But it is a family of choice, and ‘Star Wars’ has always been about families coming together.”

Jon Favreau Saw ‘Star Wars’ With His Father At 10 Years Old

For Favreau, “Star Wars” has always been a family affair. At the premiere of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 14, Favreau said, “Back 49 years ago, I got to see Star Wars when I was 10 years old, and that movie changed my life from that first shot.”

“My dad took me to see it, I sat by his side, he pointed things out and explained to me how cool it was that the X-wings had oil stains,” he recalled, as per PEOPLE magazine. “He later taught me about [Akira] Kurosawa and all of George Lucas’ influences, and he opened the door for me to love not just Star Wars but cinema.”

In an emotional full circle moment, Favreau shared, “I sat on my dad’s side 49 years ago watching Star Wars for the first time, [and] tonight I’m getting to sit next to my dad and watch this.”

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Hits Theaters May 22

“Game of Thrones” star Pedro Pascal is returning to his role as the titular Mandalorian, but many fans are excited to see “Alien” star Sigourney Weaver join a galaxy far, far away. “The Bear” star Jeremy Allen White has also lent his voice to Rotta the Hutt, who fans might remember from the original “Clone Wars” movie.

The plot synopsis reads: “The evil Empire has fallen, but Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.”

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” will be available only in theaters on May 22. The first three seasons of “The Mandalorian” are available to stream on Disney+.

Kelly Rutherford doesn’t just attend the Cannes Film Festival — she arrives with a statement bag that sets the tone for her entire look. The actress is known for her polished, quietly luxurious style, and her recent outfit featured a structured cream top-handle moment that instantly read ‘rich mom on vacation.’ Even better? You can channel that same elevated vibe with this $49 lookalike hiding on Amazon.

On May 13, the Gossip Girl alum stepped out in a matching navy blue set that felt timeless and totally chic. The short-sleeve top and flowing midi skirt struck the perfect balance between tailored and relaxed, while her magenta suede loafers and oversized sunglasses added personality. The cream Hermès Birkin bag tied everything together with that signature, effortless polish.

Get the Nymera Classic Top Shoulder Handbag for $49 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, May 18, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Nymera Classic Top Shoulder Handbag has that structured shape that instantly makes any look feel more put together — and comes in at a fraction of the designer price. It features a top handle for a classic carry, plus an adjustable strap for hands-free wear. The cream color mirrors Rutherford’s choice perfectly, though it also comes in black, beige, red and more.

Related: Taylor Swift Embraces Her Bridal Era in a Flattering White Mini Dress

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Taylor Swift is embracing her bridal era as her and fiancé Travis Kelce‘s highly anticipated 2026 wedding approaches — and her latest look had Us do a double-take. Swift was spotted on May 12, 2026, in New York City, wearing a sleek white mini dress. She paired the Retrofete dress with Gucci ankle-strap heels, a black […]

The classy piece even includes a matching compact wallet, which feels like a surprisingly elevated detail at this price point. Inside, there’s enough space for everyday essentials along with extra pockets to keep things organized. It’s practical, polished and easy to work into your daily rotation.

Shoppers are genuinely impressed. One reviewer said the bag’s “incredible quality” made their “jaw drop” when it arrived, while another highlighted its “roomy” interior with “extra inside pockets for your phone and sunglasses.” The consensus? It looks far more expensive than it actually is.

A structured cream bag like this isn’t trend-driven; it’s the kind of timeless piece Rutherford builds her outfits around. The purse style works across seasons, instantly adding that polished, put-together feel she’s known for. At $49, it’s an easy way to tap into her signature elegance without the five-figure commitment.

If Rutherford’s cream top-handle bag caught your eye, wait until you see the rest of these Amazon finds!

Shop more white top-handle bags that we love:

Not your style? Explore more white handbags here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Copy Heidi Klum’s Denim Designer Bag Look With This $64 Version

Heidi Klum just proved Cannes style doesn’t stop at the red carpet. While in the South of France, the supermodel elevated her classic blazer-and-jeans uniform with one standout accessory: a quilted denim bag that made the entire look feel fresh and current. Even better? You can channel the same designer-inspired vibe with a similar $64 […]