Watch Two Distant Strangers

Two Distant Strangers is a 2020 short film that was written by Travon Free and directed by him alongside Martin Desmond Roe. It features Joey Bada$$, Andrew Howard, and Zaria, and has an approximate runtime of 29 minutes. The plot of the film follows a young Black man named Carter James (Joey Bada$$) who is stuck in a disturbing and gruesome time loop. One morning, he wakes up in the bed of a woman he had a one-night stand with, and attempts to leave her apartment to follow his dream of becoming a successful artist. On his way out, he meets any number of people; each encounter ending in the same way as the last. He is killed by a white police officer (Andrew Howard) and brought back to the beginning of his loop, having to relive the same day over and over again.

Throughout the film, Carter tries desperately to break free of the loop, but no matter what he does, he is always killed by the same police officer. Along the way, the film makes pointed statements about the racism and brutality that Black Americans face on a daily basis, with several moments that are emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

The performances in Two Distant Strangers are all exceptional. Joey Bada$$ imbues Carter with a quiet desperation as he frantically tries to figure out how to break out of the time loop, while Andrew Howard imbues the police officer with a chilling, almost casual malevolence. The two have excellent chemistry, and their scenes together are some of the film's most riveting moments.

Visually, the film is stunning. The use of color and light is striking, and the cinematography adds a hauntingly surreal quality to the time loop. The pacing is perfectly timed, with each loop building upon the last until the film's heart-wrenching climax.

What sets Two Distant Strangers apart from other films that tackle similar themes is its narrative structure. The time-looping device is used to great effect, offering a unique perspective on the issue of police violence against Black Americans. By showing the same events through multiple perspectives, the film forces viewers to confront the harsh reality of what Black Americans go through on a regular basis.

Overall, Two Distant Strangers is a powerful and intense film that should not be missed. It is a timely and important reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in America. With its gripping performances, stunning visuals, and searing commentary, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.