Strangers (Yamada novel)

Strangers is a 1987 horror novel by Japanese author Taichi Yamada. The novel focuses on the experiences of Hideo Harada, a screenwriter in his late forties who encounters two mysterious individuals resembling his deceased parents in a nearly empty Tokyo hotel during a business trip.

The narrative explores themes of loneliness, alienation, the psychological impact of loss, and the blurring lines between reality and illusion. Hideo becomes increasingly drawn to these parental figures, neglecting his work and real-world relationships in favor of their comforting but ultimately unsettling presence. The novel utilizes a slow-burn, atmospheric approach to build suspense and dread, rather than relying on explicit gore or violence.

The novel was adapted into a film, The Stranger, directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi and released in 1988. The film retains the core plot and themes of the book, albeit with Obayashi's signature surreal and experimental filmmaking style. Another film adaptation, titled All of Us Strangers, directed by Andrew Haigh and starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, was released in 2023. This adaptation reimagines the story in a contemporary setting with a focus on themes of queer love and identity, while still maintaining the central conceit of reconnecting with deceased loved ones.