The Business of Strangers

2001, Drama, 1h 24m

94 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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critics consensus

The Business of Strangers showcases a complex, compelling performance by Channing. Her interactions and clashes with Stiles make for riveting viewing. Read critic reviews

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The Business of Strangers Photos

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Movie Info

Julie Styron (Stockard Channing) thinks she is going to be fired, but instead discovers that she is being promoted. Trapped in an airport hotel, she wants to celebrate but finds only the company of her young assistant, Paula Murphy (Julia Stiles). As the night progresses, the two women get to know each other. They flirt, they drink, they lie; personal flaws are revealed and exposed. But at the end of the night their relationship turns and becomes a complex battle of power, authority, and wit.
  • Rating:
    R (Strong Language|Some Sexuality)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Patrick Stettner
  • Producer:
    Susan A. Stover, Robert H. Nathan
  • Writer:
    Patrick Stettner
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $1.0M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    IFC Films
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Stockard Channing
Julie Styron
Julia Stiles
Paula Murphy
Frederick Weller
Nick Harris
Mary Testa
Receptionist
Jack Hallett
Mr. Fostwick
Marcus Giamatti
Robert
Buddy Fitzpatrick
Waiter
Salem Ludwig
Man at Pool
Shelagh Ratner
Airport Announcer
Patrick Stettner
Director
Patrick Stettner
Writer
Susan A. Stover
Producer
Robert H. Nathan
Producer
Scott McGehee
Executive Producer
David Siegel
Executive Producer
Ramsey Fong
Associate Producer
Teodoro Maniaci
Cinematography
Dina Goldman
Production Design
Keiko Deguchi
Film Editing
Kasia Walicka-Maimone
Costume Design
Dawn Weisberg
Costume Design
Alex Lasarenko
Original Music
Nicole Arbusto
Casting
Joy Dickson
Casting
Sophia Lin
Production Manager
Richard Burgess
Art Director
Tora Peterson
Set Decoration
Mia Thoen
Makeup Artist
Sasha Cummins
Hair Stylist
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Business of Strangers

All Critics (94) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (76) | Rotten (18)
Full Review… Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com Full Review… Marrit Ingman Austin Chronicle Full Review… Neil Smith BBC.com Full Review… Geoff Pevere Toronto Star Full Review… Liam Lacey Globe and Mail Full Review… Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Full Review… B. Ruby Rich The Nation Full Review… MaryAnn Johanson Flick Filosopher Full Review… Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews
View All Critic Reviews (94)

Audience Reviews for The Business of Strangers

  • Mar 31, 2012
    Business of Strangers is yet another smart, if not strange, indie drama from IFC. The dynamic between the two lead actresses, Julia Stiles and Stockard Channing, is engrossing, and helps make the film a powerful and effective character study. The script is strong, and features a number of very interesting dialogue exchanges. I would have liked the running time to be a bit longer, and perhaps give so more insight into Julia Stiles' character. As such, the ending didn't quite work for me. The motivations and supposed apparent vulnerabilities she had earlier in the film seem undermined by an ending that suggests a much different, probably sociopathic, person. So in that respect, the film can be thought of as a bit uneven. Still, predominately effective and always interesting. 3.5/5 stars
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • May 19, 2010
    What was the point of it all???
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Mar 14, 2009
    A simple stories about strangers who click and seek to get revenge on a man.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Jan 21, 2008
    Slight, but interesting. Julia Stiles plays troubled very well!
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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