Strange But True Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girl claims she’s pregnant by her dead boyfriend, family gets weird, turns out it’s the creepy neighbor, the end.

🍿 Strange But True: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Premise

Five years after the tragic death of Ronnie Chase, his former girlfriend, Melissa Moody, arrives at the Chase family’s doorstep claiming to be pregnant with his child. Ronnie’s parents, Charlene and Richard, and his brother, Philip, who uses crutches due to an old injury, are skeptical but intrigued. Melissa insists she hasn’t been with anyone else since Ronnie’s death, leading the family to question the impossible. The family’s initial disbelief slowly gives way to a desperate desire to understand and potentially prove Melissa’s claim. This sets them on a path of uncovering long-buried secrets and confronting the lingering grief that has fractured their lives since Ronnie’s passing.

Unraveling the Mystery

As the family delves deeper, they explore various possibilities, including the far-fetched idea of frozen sperm or even supernatural intervention. Richard, being a fertility doctor, offers a more scientific perspective, while Charlene grapples with her grief and searches for a sense of closure. Philip, initially detached, becomes increasingly involved in uncovering the truth behind Melissa’s pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding Ronnie’s death. The investigation leads them to question Melissa’s relationship with Bill and Gail, an older couple who have taken her in. Their seemingly kind and supportive nature hides a dark secret that will ultimately reveal the horrifying truth.

The Horrifying Truth

The film takes a dark turn when it’s revealed that Melissa was being drugged and sexually assaulted by Bill, the older man who took her in. The pills Melissa found in the couple’s basement provide a vital clue. Bill was using rohypnol to drug her, causing blackouts during which he sexually assaulted her, resulting in her pregnancy. The pregnancy isn’t some miracle, but the result of a horrific crime. Philip, after piecing together the evidence, confronts Bill. This confrontation ends in a violent struggle, where Bill accidentally kills his wife, Gail, and later attempts to kill Philip. Bill’s crimes and the truth of Melissa’s pregnancy are fully exposed, shattering the illusion of the kindly old man.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Melissa (Margaret Qualley): The former girlfriend of the deceased Ronnie, who arrives pregnant and claims he is the father, leading to unsettling revelations.
• Philip (Nick Robinson): Ronnie’s younger brother, who is physically disabled and becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Melissa’s pregnancy.
• Charlene (Amy Ryan): The grieving mother of Ronnie and Philip, who is skeptical of Melissa’s claims but desperate for closure.
• Richard (Greg Kinnear): The father of Ronnie and Philip, a fertility doctor separated from his wife, who becomes involved in investigating the truth behind Melissa’s pregnancy.
• Bill (Brian Cox): An older neighbor and guardian figure to Melissa, whose seemingly kind demeanor hides a dark secret.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Melissa: “I’m pregnant. It’s Ronnie’s.” – Melissa reveals to Ronnie’s family that she is pregnant, five years after his death, setting the story in motion.
• Charlene: “How is that even possible?” – Charlene expresses the family’s disbelief and skepticism regarding Melissa’s claim.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $343,038

💥 Strange But True Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this last night and I was hooked from the start. The whole ‘pregnant by a dead guy’ thing is so bizarre, but the movie really pulls you in. Amy Ryan killed it as the grieving mom. The ending definitely threw me for a loop! It was a bit dark, but overall a solid thriller. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something a little different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family secrets”
  • “People who enjoy movies with unexpected plot twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A surprisingly enjoyable noir-thriller about grief, belief, and hidden secrets. While the pacing falters and the timeline jumps can be confusing, the casting is excellent, especially Margaret Qualley. The cinematography and score are also on point, making this a recommended watch for fans of the genre.
• IMDb: “The film started well, with an interesting concept and enough mystery to keep me engaged. However, the ending felt rushed and relied on characters making implausible decisions, which ultimately detracted from the overall experience. Good acting, but a disappointing conclusion.

Audience Reactions

The twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the very end.: Many viewers praised the performances, particularly Margaret Qualley and Amy Ryan, and found the story engaging despite some flaws.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews. Many appreciate the engaging mystery and strong performances, but some find the plot convoluted and the ending unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Searles.”
• “Margaret Qualley and Nick Robinson later starred together in the Netflix miniseries ‘Maid’.”
• “The film was shot in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”

🖥️ How to Watch Strange But True?

As of October 2024, ‘Strange But True’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Unfortunately, a streaming subscription isn’t available currently.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Strange But True, you might like these similar films:

• The Lie (2018): Deals with similar themes of family secrets and unexpected consequences following a tragic event, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
• Secret Obsession (2019): Shares elements of psychological thriller, focusing on distorted memories and hidden truths that families try to burry.

🛒 Strange But True Related Products

• Strange but True: A Novel: The original novel by John Searles that inspired the film, diving deeper into the characters and the mystery. Offers a more detailed exploration of the storyline and themes.
• Mystery & Thriller Movie Box Set: A collection of suspenseful movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of suspenseful movies.
• Strange But True (Blu-ray): Own a physical copy of the Strange But True to view anytime. Comes with special features and content.
• Mystery Board Game: Fun board game for family and friends to play. Use your smarts to figure out who the suspect is.

🎧 Soundtrack

Strange But True features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Titles” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams
• “Prom Night” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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