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Short drama

Two Distant Strangers (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Two Distant Strangers (2020) movie poster

Two Distant Strangers is a 2020 short drama directed by Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free, starring Joey Bada$$ as Carter James, Andrew Howard and Zaria. It runs 32 minutes. Its Echo Score is 73/100.

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Two Distant Strangers (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
32 min
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Two Distant Strangers About?

The premise of Two Distant Strangers without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A man trying to get home to his dog becomes stuck in a time loop that forces him to relive a deadly run-in with a cop.

Two Distant Strangers Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • time loop
  • racist cop
  • police brutality
  • black man
  • police officer
  • racial profiling
  • dog
  • time travel
  • african american protagonist
  • policeman
  • misunderstanding
  • botched raid
+38 more
  • one night stand
  • the morning after
  • reference to eric garner
  • reference to michelle cusseaux
  • reference to tanisha anderson
  • reference to tamir rice
  • reference to natasha mckenna
  • reference to walter lamar scott
  • reference to bettie jones
  • reference to philando castile
  • reference to alton sterling
  • reference to botham jean
  • reference atatiana koquice jefferson
  • reference to rayshard brooks
  • reference to antwon rose
  • reference to india kager
  • reference to ezell ford
  • reference to elijah mcclain
  • reference to breonna taylor
  • spilled drink
  • african american
  • bare chested male
  • male star appears shirtless
  • cartoonist
  • cartoonist as protagonist
  • spilled coffee
  • portrait painting
  • portrait
  • sleeping shirtless
  • sleeping in underwear
  • male wears underwear
  • man wears shorts
  • male star appears in underwear
  • f word
  • flushing a toilet
  • photograph
  • reference to derek jeter
  • reference to tyler perry
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Cast & crew

Two Distant Strangers Cast & Characters

Joey Bada$$ leads the cast as Carter James, with Andrew Howard as Officer Merk and Zaria as Perri. Directed by Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Two Distant Strangers

· 13 more
From the directors

More from Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free

More films directed by Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free, best-rated first: BS High and Breaking2.

Ratings

Two Distant Strangers Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (65).

73 /100

Two Distant Strangers Echo Score Breakdown

Two Distant Strangers delivers a concise, socially charged narrative that resonates with many viewers, particularly for its timely commentary on systemic racism and police brutality. Critics praise its intelligence, wit, and emotional impact, while some note a reliance on familiar tropes and a heavy‑handed tone. Audience reactions are similarly split, with high marks for its immediacy and visual imagery, yet criticism of pacing and unresolved resolution. The film’s strengths in theme and visual expression outweigh its structural shortcomings, yielding a solid overall impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    Regarding art and craft, the film exhibits a purposeful visual style and efficient editing that support its brief runtime. Critics note its intelligent composition and occasional beauty, while some viewers describe the cinematography as overly obvious. The production design reinforces the urban atmosphere, resulting in a generally competent yet not universally praised aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of character and emotion, performances convey a clear sense of urgency, with the protagonist’s plight driving audience empathy. Reviewers commend the emotional resonance of the loop and the film’s ability to provoke dialogue, though a few critics call the portrayal heavy‑handed and lacking nuance. Overall, the character work is impactful but occasionally blunt.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Assessing story and flow, the narrative presents a repetitive time‑loop that foregrounds systemic oppression. Critics appreciate its originality and pointed message, yet note a reliance on familiar Groundhog Day mechanics and a pacing dip early on. Some audience members find the ending unresolved, contributing to mixed opinions about narrative cohesion and overall engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    The sensory experience combines a restrained soundtrack with stark urban visuals, creating a tense atmosphere that aligns with the film’s themes. Reviewers highlight the effective use of color grading and sound design to underscore anxiety, though a minority describe the audio as understated. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the narrative without overwhelming it.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s concise format and provocative message encourage multiple viewings for deeper analysis, as noted by critics and several high‑rating users. However, the unresolved ending and overt didactic tone deter some viewers from returning, reflected in lower user scores. Consequently, its replay value is modest yet present.

Plot

Two Distant Strangers Plot Summary

What happens in Two Distant Strangers from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In New York City, Carter James — a graphic designer returning home to his dog Jeter after a first date — finds himself trapped in a time loop. On each morning, he is confronted on the street by a NYPD officer, Officer Merk, who suspects him of smoking a joint and wants to search his bag. Each encounter ends with Carter being killed by the police, then waking up in the bed of his date, Perri. In one version of the loop, riot police burst into Perri’s apartment, mistaking it for another and shoot him there.

Full summary

The whole story of Two Distant Strangers, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Two Distant Strangers Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Two Distant Strangers.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Two Distant Strangers?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the main character Carter's dog?

Details

Two Distant Strangers Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “Deux étrangers lointains” and “Два далекі незнайомці”.

Also known as
  • Deux étrangers lointains
  • Два далекі незнайомці
  • Dois Estranhos
  • Due estranei
  • Dois Perfeitos Estranhos
  • Vzdálené světy
  • Два далеких незнакомца
  • Két távoli idegen
  • זרים גמורים
  • 两个遥远的陌生人
  • 낯설고 먼
  • Dos completos desconocidos
+13 more
  • Dwóch nieznajomych
  • 遙遠的陌生人
  • Δύο Εντελώς Ξένοι
  • 隔たる世界の2人
  • หนึ่งวันอันตราย
  • 陌路雙逢
  • غريبان تمامًا
  • Dvojica potpunih stranaca
  • L'histoire se répète
  • दो अजनबी
  • एक कहानी
  • Două lumi străine
  • Hai người xa lạ

Seen Two Distant Strangers?

FAQ

Two Distant Strangers FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Two Distant Strangers, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Two Distant Strangers?

Two Distant Strangers runs 32 minutes.

When was Two Distant Strangers released?

Two Distant Strangers was released on November 20, 2020.

Who directed Two Distant Strangers?

Two Distant Strangers was directed by Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free.

More films by Martin Desmond Roe

Who is in the cast of Two Distant Strangers?

Two Distant Strangers stars Joey Bada$$ as Carter James, Andrew Howard as Officer Merk and Zaria as Perri, among 17 credited actors.

Does Two Distant Strangers have a post-credit scene?

No. Two Distant Strangers has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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