The Stranger - Season 1

It's remarkably difficult to build tension and create suspense in 'bite-sized' segments.

Its format is not very helpful. But there's something to be saved from two pretty good performances. [Full review in Spanish].

The first three quibis - roughly the opening twenty-four minutes - deliver thrills, suspense, and something more akin to The Hitcher (1986) than even that film's remake managed.

Maika Monroe has already made herself a genre stalwart thanks to roles in IT FOLLOWS and THE GUEST but she does some excellent work here.

DeHaan is charming, demonic and relentless while Monroe proves resourceful, subtly fragile yet in possession of a granite centre.

Sud leans into the short format in a way where others struggle. She relies on details and her actors to flesh out their characters while focusing on creating an unnerving atmosphere and thrills to keep viewers hooked.

Jeffrey Katzenberg just spent billions to invent the radio serial.

Monroe's always a reliable horror lead... Sud's direction is suitably atmospheric, and makes delightful use of the restrictive phone-friendly format of the platform.

The Stranger aptly moves from thriller to horror, using genre staples (picking up a stranger, home invasion) to keep up the momentum.

I can not recommend The Stranger enough. If you are a fan of horror, thrillers, and short films - this one delivers. Gripping and irresistible, it will have you holding your breath and on the edge of your seat until the final moments.

This series alone is worth the asking price for a Quibi subscription.

Sud is incredible and I love seeing this creative and powerful lady taking chances by diving into new ways to tell stories.