The Strays

Cheryl, a black woman in England, expresses her concerns about discrimination and financial troubles during a phone call with her sister. Feeling overwhelmed, she ultimately decides to stop answering calls from her spouse, indicating a growing sense of isolation.

Several years later, we meet Neve, a fair-skinned black woman married to Ian, a non-black man. Despite her success as a deputy headmistress, she looks down on anything associated with black culture, showcasing her internalized prejudices.

Neve experiences unsettling visions of black people, which leave her feeling disturbed. These visions serve as a constant reminder of her unresolved identity issues and her disdain for her heritage.

After Mary braids her hair in an ethnic style inspired by a YouTube video, Neve reacts furiously. This incident highlights Neve's struggle to reconcile her identity and her children's cultural expressions.

Sebastian skips class to smoke in the woods, leading to a confrontation with Neve when he returns late from a basketball game. In a fit of rage, Neve physically punishes him, showcasing her desperate attempt to control her children's behavior.

Dione, a black teen, befriends Neve's children and invites them to her hotel room. This highlights the themes of identity and belonging, as Dione brings a contrasting perspective to Neve's controlled household.

At a fund-raising gala hosted by Neve, she encounters two black individuals who claim to be her children. This shocking revelation forces Neve to confront her past and the consequences of her actions.

Carl and Dione, using aliases, infiltrate Neve's life by becoming part of her children's circle. They initiate a chain of events that will alter Neve’s family dynamics permanently.

Carl coerces Sebastian into violently confronting his school bully, showcasing the influence he has over his new friends. This grim moment highlights the cycle of violence and manipulation at play in the story.

During a tumultuous evening filled with tension, Neve vomits after a family game night. This incident signifies her emotional unraveling as she faces the reality of her situation and the chaos brought by Carl and Dione.

In a shocking turn of events, Carl manipulates Ian into lifting heavy weights at the gym. Ian ends up getting injured, which leads to his apparent death, showcasing the depths of Carl's dangerous influence.

As chaos reigns in her home, Neve slips away with the Uber Eats driver, leaving her children behind. This final act of abandonment mirrors Cheryl's past choices and cements the cycle of neglect in her life.

With Neve gone, Mary and Sebastian are left with Carl and Dione amidst the flooded living room. This closing scene highlights the ultimate consequences of Neve's decisions, leading her children into uncertain futures.

In a poignant moment of revelation, it becomes clear that Neve is actually Cheryl, the woman who left her children. This discovery prompts reflections on identity, acceptance, and the pain of familial relationships.