Title: Love with the Proper Stranger
Year: 1963
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating: 6.7
Cast: Natalie Wood, Steve McQueen, Edie Adams, Herschel Bernardi, Anne Hegira
Description: A stark, unsettling beauty permeates "Love with the Proper Stranger," a 1963 film that transcends its era's typical romantic tropes. Natalie Wood's portrayal of a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy is breathtaking in its vulnerability and defiance. The film doesn't shy away from the complexities of societal judgment and the internal conflict of a woman navigating a deeply personal crisis in a judgmental world. Director Robert Mulligan masterfully captures the emotional rawness, creating a poignant exploration of choice, responsibility, and the enduring power of love amidst adversity. While the narrative focuses on a specific circumstance, its themes of self-discovery and the courage to forge one's own path resonate powerfully even today. "Love with the Proper Stranger" is not just a romance; it's a timeless study of resilience and the enduring search for self-acceptance in the face of societal pressures. It's a film that lingers, prompting reflection long after the credits roll.