The Little Stranger is a 2009 novel penned by Sarah Waters. The 2018 film is an adaptation of the novel. It was released in the United States by Focus Features on August 31, 2018. It stars Domhnall Gleeson as Dr. Faraday. Faraday is one day required to visit the Ayres family at Hundreds Hall. Initially, the visit should be a conventional one for the doctor. However, he has a connection with the 18th century estate that dates back to his childhood.

Dr. Faraday visits the family’s maid Betty (Liv Hill, Three Girls). He eventually forms a bond with Mrs. Ayres’s (Charlotte Rampling) daughter Caroline who is played by Ruth Wilson. Their relationship blossoms and Faraday agrees to care for Caroline’s bother Roderick (Will Poulter). Before too long, things take a strange turn. Horrifying events send the family scrambling for answers, while Roderick decides to flee the house for good.

Dr. Faraday refuses to give up Hundreds Hall. His childhood memories of the estate in all of its glory keep him locked in the cage unable to budge. Do not be fooled. The Little Stranger is not a horror movie in the least. It isn’t scary, but it isn’t comical either. Instead, it is a thought-provoking slow burner that will leave you guessing from start to finish and well after that. According to others, the movie is an accurate adaption of the book. I cannot say for certain myself as I have not read it.

The film is very moody. It is a bleak drama and every single aspect of the film oozes of dread. The characters are odd, lonely and downright creepy from time to time. The dark scenes and the property itself produce a grim environment as well. The Little Stranger does several things well. It definitely makes the viewer feel as if something bad is going to happen any minute. It also keeps you locked in.

Those who have not read the book will be biting their nails waiting to see what is going to happen next. It is true that the ending is open ended. That is going to leave some disappointed, but I found it to be satisfying. It forced me to think and I did. I have a few assumptions, but I do not want to give away any spoilers. Check out the film for yourself and see where your imagination will lead you. The Little Stranger is a good ride, but a slow one. It scores a 7.5 out of 10.