The Business Of Strangers

We haven’t seen much of the talented and gorgeous Stockard Channing on the screen lately, with the exception of her role as the wife of the president in the television series The West Wing. The Business Of Strangers sees Channing deliver a complex, compelling and provocative performance as an older woman business executive who has struggled for years to get to the top but is still full of doubt and fearful for her future. Julia Stiles (Save The Last Dance) is excellent and, although only 19, puts in a versatile performance as the younger employee.

The Business Of Strangers has a lot going for it. It manages to explore what some women give up for success as well as looking at the generational difference between women. Channing is so brittle she makes you feel the loneliness and angst of a menopausal woman on the edge. Still incredibly sexy, she’s come a long way since playing Betty Rizzo in Grease in 1978. Julia Stiles is also gorgeous to watch and keeps you guessing. Is she a lesbian, unhinged, or both?

Business of Strangers is essentially a black comedy thriller with the added plus of eye candy and frisson between two women to keep you entertained.