Stranger by the Lake is a French thriller, directed by Alain Guiraudie, and released in 2013. The movie takes place over the course of one summer, at a cruising spot for gay men in a wooded area by a lake. The film is set almost entirely within this location, with only a few scenes taking place elsewhere.
The protagonist Franck (played by Pierre Deladonchamps) is a young gay man who visits the lake regularly to seek out sexual encounters with other men. One day, he becomes enamored with Michel (played by Christophe Paou), a rugged and attractive man who exudes confidence and sexuality. The two become regular partners and begin to develop a deeper connection.
However, Franck soon begins to realize that Michel has a dark side. He witnesses Michel engaging in a violent sexual act with another man, and later finds out that Michel has been involved in a murder. Despite these revelations, Franck continues to seek out Michel, driven by his passion and desire for him.
As the summer wears on, tensions rise between Franck and the other men at the lake. There is a growing sense of danger and violence on the fringes of the cruising spot, and Franck begins to fear for his own safety. The movie builds to a tense and shocking climax that leaves Franck and the audience questioning the true nature of his desire for Michel.
Stranger by the Lake is a visually striking film, with beautiful shots of the lake and the surrounding forest. It is also an explicit and unapologetic portrayal of gay sexuality, with numerous scenes of nudity and sex. The film received critical acclaim for its frank depiction of sexuality and the suspenseful and atmospheric mood it creates.
