
The Business of Strangers
2001, Drama, 1h 24m
94 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
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
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.
Cast & Crew
Stockard Channing
Julie Styron
Julie Styron
Julia Stiles
Paula Murphy
Paula Murphy
Frederick Weller
Nick Harris
Nick Harris
Mary Testa
Receptionist
Receptionist
Jack Hallett
Mr. Fostwick
Mr. Fostwick
Marcus Giamatti
Robert
Robert
Critic Reviews for The Business of Strangers
Audience Reviews for The Business of Strangers
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Mar 31, 2012Business 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 starsJeffrey M Super Reviewer
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May 19, 2010What was the point of it all???Brody M Super Reviewer
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Mar 14, 2009A simple stories about strangers who click and seek to get revenge on a man.Sunil J Super Reviewer
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Jan 21, 2008Slight, but interesting. Julia Stiles plays troubled very well!Nicki M Super Reviewer
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