What's it about?

When a Syrian doctor is forced to flee Aleppo with her young daughter, one desperate choice sets off a chain of events that ripples across borders and pulls four strangers into the same storm. A smuggler trying to save his son. A soldier wrestling with his conscience. A poet searching for home. A Greek coast guard captain caught between duty and mercy. Their paths collide on one night in the Mediterranean, where survival is uncertain and humanity is revealed in its rawest form. I Was a Stranger is a tense, deeply human story about the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.

When is the release date?

I Was a Stranger was released in theaters in the US and Canada on January 9, 2026, with international release dates following after.

Where can I watch it?

I Was a Stranger is now available to stream on Angel for our Angel Guild members! To learn more about how you can join the Guild and start watching today, visit angel.com/stranger

What is it rated?

I Was a Stranger has been assigned an MPA rating of PG-13 for Strong Violence, Content/Bloody Images, Thematic Materials, A Racial Slur, and Smoking.

This film offers an unflinching and no-punches-pulled portrayal of war. While certain scenes may be intense and emotionally charged, they are intended to authentically represent the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the individuals and families depicted in the film. This realism is essential to honoring the true weight of their stories, and acknowledging the struggles of all who have been affected by this crisis.

What is the runtime?

1 hr 43 min

Is this film in English?

Because the film centers on the lives of those affected by the Syrian refugee crisis and is largely set in Syria, the filmmaker has made a deliberate effort to use accurate dialects and languages to authentically portray these stories. To ensure the film remains accessible, subtitles are provided for all scenes not spoken in English.

Will there be Closed Captioning?

We offer several language options for streaming in the Angel app. To check what is available:
1. Open I Was a Stranger in the Angel app.
2. Press play to begin the film.
3. Look for the CC or subtitle icon on the playback screen to view available subtitle options.
4. Look for the audio or language icon to view available dubbed audio options.

Language options are added over time, so availability may change.

Is this based on a true story?

I Was a Stranger is inspired by 14 million true stories of displaced Syrians. All of the stories portrayed in the film are based on real events and people. The fictional element lies in how the five stories have been woven together to create a continuous narrative.

Where can I learn more about the I Was a Stranger giveaway?

This giveaway has ended. Thank you for your participation! You can still view the giveaway details at https://www.angel.com/giveaway/i-was-a-stranger

To see the winners list for this giveaway, click here.