About Two Distant Strangers

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Two Distant Strangers is a drama film released in 2021. It is directed by Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe and written by Free. The film explores the all-too-familiar reality of police violence and systemic racism in America through the story of a young Black man who gets caught in a time loop, resulting in his death at the hands of a police officer each day. The film takes a powerful and thought-provoking approach to address the urgent need for change and equality in society.

The protagonist, Carter James, wakes up each day in the same scenario where he encounters a police officer. Despite his attempts to change the outcome, he finds himself trapped in an endless loop where he is killed by the officer. The film skillfully explores the emotions, frustration, and resilience of the main character as he tries to break free from this cycle of violence and injustice.

Making / Production

The filmmakers behind Two Distant Strangers aimed to create a concise and impactful movie that sheds light on the ongoing issue of police violence. They used a combination of creative storytelling techniques, such as a time loop narrative, to emphasize the repetitive and cyclical nature of the violence experienced by Black communities.

The production of the film took place in New York City, and the filmmakers made use of various locations to represent different stages of the time loop. The use of different visuals and settings is crucial in conveying the different experiences and emotions of the main character, Carter James.

Actors

• Joey Bada$$ as Carter James: Joey Bada$$ delivers a compelling performance as the film's protagonist, showcasing Carter's vulnerability, frustration, and determination.
• Andrew Howard as Police Officer Merk: Andrew Howard portrays the role of the police officer with a chilling intensity, displaying the oppressive power dynamics present in many encounters with law enforcement.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Two Distant Strangers won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2021.
• The film draws inspiration from the concept of the "groundhog day" time loop, where the main character relives the same day repeatedly.
• Travon Free, one of the directors and writers of the film, drew from his own experiences and emotions to create a powerful and authentic story.

Awards

Two Distant Strangers won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2021. The film's portrayal of the urgent issue of police violence resonated with audiences and critics, earning recognition for its powerful storytelling and impactful message.

Quotes

• "No matter how different it looks, it's a different version of the same reality." - Carter James
• "What if I stay here and fight?" - Carter James

Music

The film's score is composed by Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and includes a blend of contemporary and atmospheric music, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Soundtrack

• "The Red Dead Redemption Theme" by Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
• "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Melvin Butler
• "Keep On Moving" by Curtis Mayfield