X
- 2001
- R
- IFC Films
- 1 h 24 m
- 2001
- R
- IFC Films
- 1 h 24 m
Summary A drama about a corporate climber (Channing) and her new assistant (Stiles) - stuck overnight in an airport hotel, locked in a subtle game of control and manipulation. (IFC Films)
Directed By: Patrick Stettner
Written By: Patrick Stettner
- 2001
- R
- IFC Films
- 1 h 24 m
- 2001
- R
- IFC Films
- 1 h 24 m
The Business of Strangers
67
User Score
Available after 4 ratings
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Where to Watch
Summary A drama about a corporate climber (Channing) and her new assistant (Stiles) - stuck overnight in an airport hotel, locked in a subtle game of control and manipulation. (IFC Films)
Directed By: Patrick Stettner
Written By: Patrick Stettner
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 Critic Reviews
67
80% Positive
24 Reviews
24 Reviews
20% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 Critic Reviews
67
80% Positive
24 Reviews
24 Reviews
20% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
A maliciously funny and keenly observant movie -- director-writer Patrick Stettner makes a potent feature debut -- that serves its humor dark and without artificial sweeteners.
The dynamic between Channing and Stiles is as compelling as a freeway wreck.
Mr. Stettner has a serious subject here -- how the hurts that women suffer at the hands of men can be internalized more deeply than the victims know -- and his film is graced with a stunning performance by Ms. Channing.
One is left with an unsettling ambivalence about the night's awful events -- there are no absolute villains here, just as there are no total victims -- and much of the credit is due to the performances.
Plays largely like a performer's showpiece, with all the showboating and not so surprising character twists that entails, but Stettner comes out the other end with a pleasantly modest and satisfying revelation.
The Business of Strangers goes too far in dramatizing Julie's primal, Paula-fied surge of female fury, and the script finally mistakes respectful ambiguity for vaporous drift.
Stettner's vision of both women lacks fullness, relying on stereotypes of feminine strength and vulnerability.
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Production Company
Headquarters (III),
i5 Films
Release Date Dec 7, 2001
Duration 1 h 24 m
Rating R
Awards
Paris Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
London Critics Circle Film Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Golden Trailer Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
