In the film 'We Strangers,' the protagonist Rayelle, played by Kirby, opens up to her mother about her lack of dreams. Rayelle, a cleaning lady, spends her days meticulously cleaning up after others, leaving her too drained to hold onto any personal aspirations. Despite this, she finds solace in her fantasies, although they are not for herself. Director Anu Valia's debut film delves into the complexities of privilege and the luxury of being able to say no, a concept foreign to Rayelle in her daily struggles.
Rayelle's life takes a turn when she is offered a cleaning job at the house of a local dentist, Dr. Patel, despite her reluctance to do domestic work. The financial need pushes her to accept the offer, disrupting her family life with her partner Mari and their two children. As she navigates through various cleaning assignments, Rayelle's personal life is juxtaposed with her professional duties, highlighting the stark contrast between her two worlds.
An unexpected turn of events occurs when Rayelle inadvertently portrays herself as clairvoyant to one of her clients, leading to a series of unpredictable encounters. The film skillfully portrays Rayelle's struggle to balance her work obligations with her desire for a fulfilling family life, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with viewers.
'We Strangers' masterfully captures the nuances of race and class dynamics, offering a thought-provoking exploration of societal disparities. Through meticulous production design and evocative cinematography, the film immerses audiences in Rayelle's world, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals navigating through societal hierarchies.
