Stranger

An unnamed village in the Podlasie region. The inhabitants lease out land which does not technically belong to them, but so far the operation has proceeded without problems. They keep to themselves, in seclusion, without interaction with the outside world. Then, suddenly, a nameless Stranger arrives. Given the situation of the village, none of the inhabitants know how to act, worried that the Strangers intentions might not be as harmless as promised. Krzysztof, the self-appointed Mayor and protector of the village, takes it upon himself to show the Stranger around, carefully avoiding the locals resistance. Together with a local driver, and his neighbour, a man who left the city for the country side, they silently circle the village, full of anxiety, not knowing the Strangers reason for being here...

Directed by Piotr Domalewski, Stranger leans on a strong ensemble — Marek Sawicki, Andrzej Kłak, Filip Perkowski — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2013.