The way We Strangersbegins lays the groundwork for how the drama will be exploring its powerful themes. The directorial debut of Anu Valia, the movie begins partway through the story, with cleaner Rayelle (Kirby Howelle-Baptiste) crossing paths with Jean (Maria Dizzia), the somewhat eccentric neighbor of her latest client. Although their initial interaction is short, it establishes a connection between the pair that will define how the film plays out.