Is The Stray Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Stray is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Stray Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Stray emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young father takes his nine year old son, the family dog, and two of his son's friends backpacking in the mountains of Colorado only for all five of them to be struck by lightning. Unlike standard genre fare, The Stray attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Stray features a noteworthy lineup led by Sarah Lancaster . Supported by the likes of Michael Cassidy and Scott Christopher , 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 Stray (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Stray Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Stray is a Drama, Family film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Stray Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Stray concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Stray reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Stray?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of The Stray
- Sarah Lancaster – Michelle Davis
- Michael Cassidy – Mitch Davis
- Scott Christopher – Dave Smith
- Connor Corum – Christian Davis
- Jacque Gray – Misty Davis
Top Highlights
Sarah LancasterMichelle Davis
Michael CassidyMitch Davis
Scott ChristopherDave Smith
Connor CorumChristian Davis
Jacque GrayMisty Davis
Angella JoyCreative Executive
Eliza de Azevedo BrownRachel Davis
Enoch EllisClark LaCouture
Parker DavisPizza Guy Judd
Cory DangerfieldRod
Where to Watch The Stray Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Angel Studios🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Stray has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Stray stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Stray movie hit or flop?
The Stray has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Stray worth watching?
The Stray is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Stray online?
The Stray is currently available for streaming on Angel Studios. You can also check for it on platforms like Angel Studios depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Stray
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
