Strays

Cheryl, a black woman living in England, grapples with feelings of discrimination and financial hardship. During a phone call with her sister, she expresses her worries, revealing the emotional weight she carries in her daily life.

Cheryl deliberately avoids calls from her husband, seeking to distance herself from her current life. She leaves behind a note on the fridge indicating her plans to visit a hair salon, suggesting a longing for change.

Years later, we are introduced to Neve, a fair-skinned black woman married to a non-black man, Ian. Neve appears to reject her black heritage, wishing to fit into a more 'acceptable' lifestyle, even as she manages the complexities of her own identity.

Neve, now a deputy headmistress, is focused on organizing a fundraising gala at her home. Despite her professional success, she struggles internally, haunted by visions that force her to confront her hidden feelings about her racial identity.

Neve receives a toy car in the mail, a seemingly innocuous gift that triggers painful memories from her past. This moment symbolizes her ongoing internal conflict regarding her black heritage and her attempts to suppress it.

Neve discovers that her son, Sebastian, has skipped class to smoke in the woods after a black boy befriends him. This leads Neve to worry about her children's influences, prompting her to take drastic actions against their friendships.

Neve's frustration blazes when Mary styles her hair in an ethnic manner after watching YouTube tutorials. This act enrages Neve, who struggles to accept her children's exploration of their heritage.

Tensions rise when Sebastian returns home late from a basketball game, resulting in a heated confrontation between him and Neve. The incident highlights her mounting anger and the pressures she feels in managing her family.

At the gala, Neve is confronted by two black individuals who recognize her as their mother, triggering a flood of flashbacks. This shocking revelation forces her to confront the life she has tried to leave behind.

In a twist, two black teenagers, Carl and Dione, become involved with Neve's children, leading to a series of manipulations. Dione's influence over Mary intensifies, while Carl persuades Sebastian to physically confront a bully, unraveling family dynamics.

The situation escalates when Carl and Dione break into Neve's home, creating chaos as they celebrate Dione's birthday. Their actions highlight the family's fractured ties and the dark undertones of Neve's past.

As tensions spiral, Ian threatens divorce, pushing Neve into a state of despair. Her mental and emotional state deteriorates, leading to a moment of physical sickness as the reality of her situation sinks in.

In a brief moment of relief, Neve joins her family in a lighthearted game of Scrabble, suggesting a facade of normalcy. Yet, the underlying issues remain unresolved, foreshadowing deeper turmoil ahead.

The culmination of Carl's influence leads to a tragic event that leaves Ian in critical condition. This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the chaos unleashed by the intertwining relationships and unresolved pasts.

Ultimately, Neve makes the shocking decision to leave with an Uber Eats driver, abandoning her children once more. Mary and Sebastian are left bewildered and vulnerable, highlighting the tragic cycle of neglect and loss.