Neve is the deputy headmistress of her children’s school. She raises money for charity. Her home, clothes and perfectly coiffed hair are immaculate. But one day, Neve starts noticing two people around town who just don’t belong — according to her. Unfortunately for Neve, things are about to get a lot worse for her and her family. Writer-director Nat Martello-White’s feature film debut,The Strays is a British psychological horror movie that tells the story of one woman’s extreme self-betrayal.
Neve is a light-skinned Black woman who’s well respected in her upscale, predominantly white community, but she still strives to be accepted. She’s also desperate to control her teenage children, who are exploring parts of their identities that she disapproves of. As Neve grapples with what she perceives as a threatening new presence in town, her carefully curated life spins out of control.
Madekwe is known for turns in the series Salem, Diary of a Call Girl and Revenge. Along with starring in the film County Lines, she played Detective Eudora Patch in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy.
You can follow Madekwe on Instagram.
Newly hired school janitor Marvin strikes up a friendship with Neve’s son, Sebastian, despite her objections. Away from the prying eyes of Neve, Marvin shows Sebastian how to smoke a cigarette and even steps in to help him get revenge on a school bully. But Marvin, despite being friendly to Sebastian, isn’t who he seems.
Myrie was featured in the drama series Mood, Screw and Stephen. He can also be seen in the drama Get Gone.
Abigail infiltrates Neve’s family by getting a job working for Neve’s husband and befriending their daughter, Mary. But Abigail lashes out at her new friend — apparently out of jealousy of her home life.
Bakray won the Rising Star Award at the 2021 BAFTAs, the year she was also nominated for her performance in Rocks. Bakray can be seen in You Don’t Know Me and the upcoming series Liaison.
You can follow Bakray on Instagram.
Sebastian is confused and frustrated by his mother’s attempts to control who he sees and what music he listens to. He’s thankful to meet Marvin, who teaches him how to handle things he wouldn’t be able to otherwise. But something about his mom’s reactions to Marvin seem off, and he’s not sure why.
Small is known for playing Rob in the teen series So Awkward and was featured in the drama mini-series The Nest. Small’s first big-time role was playing one of Varys’ “little birds” in Game of Thrones. The Strays is his first feature film.
You can follow Small on Instagram.
Mary is a soft-spoken teen who’s almost always obedient to her mom. When newcomer Abigail compliments her hair, she’s flattered — she’s been trying out natural hair styles — and the two begin to hang out. But there’s a darkness to her new friend that Mary can’t begin to understand.
Rising actor Almeida featured in the film Pretty Red Dress. She will appear in the upcoming series Fifteen-Love.
You can follow Almeida on Instagram.
Justin Salinger (right) as Ian Williams in The Strays.
Neve’s distinguished husband, Ian, loves and supports her but can’t quite understand her objections to their kids’ behavior — or her overreactions to Abby and Marvin. Regardless, he’s by her side through thick and thin. For now.
Salinger starred in the BAFTA-nominated film Ray & Liz. He’s known for his role as Carl Meisner in the action series Hanna, and portrayed Ulysses S. Grant in the mini-series Grant.
