A reporter’s wife fights for survival in a dictatorship where justice is as murky as the politics.
TO KILL A STRANGER
The wife of an American journalist on an assignment in an unnamed South American country run by a military junta is sexually assaulted by a stranger there. However, she manages to fight back, which leads to unexpected consequences.
Quick Answer
To Kill a Stranger is a 1987 United States/Mexico crime thriller directed by Juan López Moctezuma about an American journalist's wife who kills a would-be rapist in self-defense while abroad in a Latin American dictatorship.
Programmer's Pick
Donald Pleasence trades his trench coat for a dictator’s uniform in this taut, sun-baked noir, where the real danger isn’t just in the shadows but in the halls of power. Angélica María gives you a protagonist who refuses to stay a victim—even when the system is stacked. If you like your thrillers with a side of political menace, this one doesn’t flinch.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
The action unfolds in a fictional South American country ruled by a corrupt military junta, adding real-world tension to the personal drama.
Cristina Carver's transformation from victim to survivor underlines a gritty, revenge-tinged story arc.
Genre favorite Donald Pleasence brings menace to the role of Col. Kostik, making every scene with him a powder keg.
The suspense hinges on a deadly secret and a cat-and-mouse game with a persistent local detective.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Col. Kostik's violent assault
Violent military officer
Cristina kills in self-defense and must hide her actions
Fictional South American dictatorship
Questions from the Vault
When was To Kill a Stranger released? +
To Kill a Stranger was released in 1987.
Who directed To Kill a Stranger? +
To Kill a Stranger was directed by Juan López Moctezuma.
How long is To Kill a Stranger? +
To Kill a Stranger has a runtime of 88 minutes.
What genre is To Kill a Stranger? +
To Kill a Stranger is a crime thriller.
Where can I watch To Kill a Stranger? +
To Kill a Stranger is available to stream on SassyFlix.
How does Cristina Carver attempt to cover up the killing? +
After killing Col. Kostik in self-defense, Cristina hides the body and tries to conceal her involvement as suspicion grows.
