• Drama
• Thriller

I Was a Stranger 2026

Released in early 2026 by Angel Studios, I Was a Stranger (originally titled The Stranger's Case) is a visceral drama that explores the human cost of the Syrian refugee crisis through five intersecting lives. The narrative begins in 2023 with Amira, a Syrian doctor now living in Chicago, as she reflects on the harrowing journey that began in 2015 when a bomb attack in Aleppo claimed her family. The film follows five primary characters: Amira (the doctor), Mustafa (a soldier), Marwan (a hardened refugee smuggler in Turkey), Fathi (a poet), and Stavros (a Greek coast guard captain). Their separate paths eventually collide on a single, perilous night in the Mediterranean Sea, where a storm-battered raft tests their humanity and will to survive against the backdrop of systemic indifference and the brutal reality of human trafficking. The film features an international ensemble cast led by Yasmine Al Massri as Amira Homsi and Omar Sy as Marwan the smuggler. They are joined by Yahya Mahayni as Mustafa, Ziad Bakri as Fathi the poet, and Constantine Markoulakis as the Greek captain, Stavros. The supporting cast includes Jason Beghe as Dr. Kroft, Ayman Samman as Shaheen, and Massa Daoud as Rasha. Directed, written, and produced by Brandt Andersen in his feature directorial debut, the film was shot across locations in Jordan, Turkey, and Greece to maintain an authentic atmosphere, featuring dialogue in Arabic, English, and Greek. As of late January 2026, I Was a Stranger has earned approximately $1.93 million at the domestic box office. The film opened on January 9, 2026, across 1,400 theaters, securing a solid opening weekend of $1.2 million. While it maintains a niche audience as an "inspirational" and social-issue drama, it has been well-received by viewers, earning an A- CinemaScore. Its performance has been largely driven by the distribution model of Angel Studios, which utilizes "Pay It Forward" initiatives to allow supporters to fund tickets for others, helping the film sustain a presence in the top charts for independent releases. Currently, I Was a Stranger is in its exclusive theatrical window, but digital options are becoming available. It is listed for pre-order on digital platforms like Vudu (Fandango at Home) and Apple TV for approximately $9.99. Following its theatrical run, the film is expected to stream primarily on the Angel Studios app and website, where the studio typically hosts its content for "Guild" members before a wider release. Because it is a 2026 release, wider global streaming on platforms like Netflix or Prime Video has not yet been announced, as the studio prioritizes its own ecosystem and independent digital sales. Read More

• 2026
• 1 h : 43 min
• 24 views
• 8.478
• PG-13