The Stranger Beside Me

  • 2003
  • PG-13
  • 89m
movieMx RATING
5.9/1028
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Stranger Beside Me Review

Last updated: January 30, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 30, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Stranger Beside Me (2003) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Stranger Beside Me features a noteworthy lineup led by Billy Campbell . Supported by the likes of Barbara Hershey and Kevin Dunn , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Stranger Beside Me (2003) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Stranger Beside Me stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Stranger Beside Me

Quick Plot Summary: The Stranger Beside Me is a Thriller, Drama, Crime, TV Movie film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Stranger Beside Me

Ending Breakdown: The Stranger Beside Me attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Stranger Beside Me reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Stranger Beside Me Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Stranger Beside Me incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, drama, crime, tv movie film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: The Stranger Beside Me adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Stranger Beside Me?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Thriller films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Stranger Beside Me

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $42.0
Worldwide Gross $19.0
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Stranger Beside Me Budget

The estimated production budget for The Stranger Beside Me is $42.0. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: The Stranger Beside Me

All Cast & Crew →
Kevin Dunn
Kevin DunnDick Reed
Suki Kaiser
Suki KaiserKelly Parker
Jay Brazeau
Jay BrazeauJudge Cowart
Ben Immanuel
Ben ImmanuelJoe Foley
Matthew Bennett
Matthew BennettDetective Payton
Meghan Black
Meghan BlackLeslie Rule
Aaron Douglas
Aaron DouglasProsecutor Baines
Kimberley Warnat
Kimberley WarnatJulie Wyatt
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Where to Watch The Stranger Beside Me Online?

Streaming Hub

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The Stranger Beside Me Parents Guide & Age Rating

2003 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Stranger Beside Me age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Stranger Beside Me is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Stranger Beside Me is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Stranger Beside Me is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Stranger Beside Me. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Stranger Beside Me worth watching?

The Stranger Beside Me is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Stranger Beside Me parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Stranger Beside Me identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Stranger Beside Me?

The total duration of The Stranger Beside Me is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.

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How The Stranger Beside Me Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Stranger Beside Me

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
The Stranger Beside Me
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