Relative Stranger

Relative Stranger is a 2009 American television drama film directed by Charles Burnett and starring Eriq La Salle, Cicely Tyson, and Michael Michele. The film is an artful exploration of challenging family dynamics, redemption, and the healing power of forgiveness set against the backdrop of the everyday American landscape.

The plot centers on Walter Clemons, embodied by Eriq La Salle, who is a man haunted by his past and the family he abandoned six years ago. Walter used to be a professional football player but gave it all up after a career-ending injury. His perceived failure drives him away from his family, and he moves to a distant city, leaving his wife, two children, mother and brother behind. The title, "Relative Stranger" poignantly suggests the estrangement from his own kith and kin, as Walter becomes an outsider to his family.

Walter's past resurfaces when he receives a letter notifying him of the demise of his father. Driven by a potent combination of guilt, longing, and the hope of inheritance, Walter returns home. However, he finds that coming back also means having to confront his dismissive mother, portrayed by Cicely Tyson, and his resentful brother. His prodigal return is met with a wave of hostility that he hadn't entirely anticipated, making the idea of a family reunion far more complicated than he had imagined.

Michael Michele plays the role of Toinette, Walter's ex-wife, who, despite her initial reservations, slowly warms up to Walter's awkward attempts at becoming a part of the family once again. Together, they try to navigate the turbulent waters of their shattered past, focusing on the welfare of their two children. Walter must learn to rebuild the bridges he once burnt, which proves to be a daunting task.

Each character in Relative Stranger is a study of the various facets of family and the human struggle that comes with it. The film addresses the age-old question of whether it is possible for individuals who have been stripped apart by anger, resentment, and mistrust to find redemption and forgiveness. The narrative seeks to portray the debilitating effects of unresolved trauma on familial relationships and the cathartic potential of forgiveness.

Eriq La Salle, widely recognized for his roles in TV series ER, renders a captivating performance in embodying a character racked with guilt yet aspiring for redemption. Cicely Tyson's compelling portrayal of a mother and her internal conflict between resentment for her estranged son and desire for his redemption add layers to the drama.

Director Charles Burnett masterfully explores the depth of human emotions in this quietly gripping drama. He tosses the viewer between moments of heartache and relief, suspense and resolution throughout the film. Despite its simplicity, Relative Stranger cuts deep with its profound themes, evoking strong emotions among the audience.

Relative Stranger also draws attention with its masterful use of cinematography. The film's visual language serves multiple purposes; it not only captures the prevalent tensions within a deeply fractured family but also provides the window through which we see Walter's journey of self-discovery, struggle, and eventual absolution. Additionally, the film's score complements the intense on-screen drama, subtly hinting at the emotions underneath.

The film raises profound questions about family, forgiveness, and redemption. It enables viewers to perceive the effects of abandonment, guilt, anger, and pain on an individual and his relationships. Although a TV production, the movie astounds with its detail-oriented storytelling, marking it as an essential watch in the row of dramas exploring the complicated dynamics of family relationships.

In conclusion, Relative Stranger is a deeply moving observation of the human struggle in the face of dysfunctional relationships and the quest for forgiveness and redemption. The extraordinary performances by the main cast, coupled with Burnett's skillful direction, make this a worthy addition to your watch list.