Strays

Or Schraiber’s short film, Strays, hits close to home for me. There was a time I drove for the popular rideshare apps, and let’s just say every ride was an adventure, and often in a good way.

Shamsul (James Rana) is an immigrant to the United States. He wakes up early to a video message from his wife and children wishing him a happy birthday. There’s a special “Love you; we got your last paycheck” message tacked onto the end from his wife.

Then Shamsul starts his day, except he has to deal with a black cat that is constantly trying to jump into his car. Just as he’s about to pull out from the curb, he discovers the cat in his back seat. As he removes it, he notices a woman struggling to move her things in a shopping cart. Shamsul helps her pick up the groceries she dropped and gets an orange to the back of the head for his trouble. Now, he’s ready to start his day.

Shamsul (James Rana) sits beside another man against a brick wall in a quiet moment from Strays.

“He wakes up early to a video message from his wife and children wishing him a happy birthday.”

Based on a script from its star, James Rana, Strays is a sweet story of a man who grinds it out every day to provide a better life for himself and his family. Like my experience doing rideshare, some rides felt like a therapy session, where I was the therapist, but most of the time driving was a chance to connect with a small random segment of humanity, and this spirit is captured in Strays.

Strays is shot like a silent film, with very little dialogue, and Shamsul plays the Charlie Chaplin role, truly embracing the character without becoming a comedic stereotype. He not only gives rides but also connects with his community in a sweet way, ending with a subdued celebration that will lift your spirits.

Or Schraiber’s Strays is one of the quick in-and-out short films that will leave you feeling good about what life has in store for you today.

For screening information, visit the Strays official website.