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Poster for The Strange Ones

The Strange Ones

Seen it?

1950 | 107 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1950: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Elisabeth and her brother Paul live isolated from much of the world after Paul is injured in a snowball fight. As a coping mechanism, the two conjure up a hermetic dream of their own making. Their relationship, however, isn't exactly wholesome. Jealousy and a malevolent undercurrent intrude on their fantasy when Elisabeth invites the strange Agathe to stay with them -- and Paul is immediately attracted to her.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 10K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville

  • Nicole StéphaneElisabeth
  • Édouard DermithePaul
  • Renée CosimaDargelos / Agathe
  • Jacques BernardGerard
  • Jean CocteauNarrator (voice)
  • Melvyn MartinMichael
  • Maria CyliakusMother
  • Jean-Marie RobainHeadmaster
  • Maurice RevelDoctor
  • Rachel Devirys