Chloe Bailey is receiving praise for her leading performance in Strung, the latest psychological thriller directed by Malcolm D. Lee. Although the film has received mixed reviews, critics have highlighted Bailey’s acting, musical talent and screen presence as some of its biggest strengths.
The movie premiered at the American Black Film Festival on May 27 before arriving on Peacock on June 26. It also marks Lee’s first attempt at directing a psychological thriller after years of success with comedy and drama films.
Chloe Bailey shines as the lead in Strung
Bailey plays Laila Calloway, a talented violinist who accepts what seems like the perfect tutoring job. However, her dream opportunity soon turns into a frightening experience inside the wealthy Walker family’s mansion.
The story begins with Laila performing with an orchestra before a disturbing nightmare interrupts her concert. That chilling opening quickly draws viewers into the film and sets the stage for the mystery that follows.
Critics noted that Bailey delivers a convincing performance as the soft-spoken musician. They also praised her ability to balance vulnerability with determination as the story unfolds.
Malcolm D. Lee explores psychological thriller storytelling
Strung is based on a script by Alan McElroy, known for writing Wrong Turn. The film follows Laila as she becomes the tutor of gifted young violinist Zuri after accepting an offer from the girl’s grandmother, Audra.
As Laila settles into the family’s luxurious home, she notices strange behavior from those around her. Zuri speaks in mysterious riddles, while other family members hide secrets behind their perfect appearance.
Although reviewers felt the film did not fully explore its psychological themes, they agreed that the suspense builds steadily toward an entertaining final act.
Strong performances and beautiful visuals stand out
The film features an impressive supporting cast, including Lynn Whitfield, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Lucien Laviscount. Lynn Whitfield’s performance received particular praise for adding depth to the story.
Reviewers also highlighted the movie’s elegant production design and striking cinematography. The Walker family’s mansion creates both beauty and unease, helping to build tension throughout the film.
Bailey’s musical performance also stood out. Critics noted that she convincingly played the violin, performing difficult pieces that added authenticity to her character.
Strung offers an entertaining thriller despite its flaws
While some reviewers felt the script did not fully deliver on its promising premise, they still described Strung as an entertaining watch. The film’s visuals, performances and music help carry the story, even when the suspense slows down.
The review also pointed to technical issues, including distracting audio during several scenes. Even so, Bailey’s lead performance remains one of the film’s biggest highlights.
For many viewers, Strung showcases another side of Bailey’s growing acting career. Her performance demonstrates that she continues to expand her range beyond music while taking on more challenging roles in Hollywood.
