Paul Elliott’s review published on Letterboxd:
Bristling with some beautiful handmade charm and as absurdly funny as it is playfully self-confident, Stranger than Paradise sees Independent auteur Jim Jarmusch presenting a view of the United States that comes across unique, decidedly out of step and in poor shape.
Jarmusch prioritises poetic observation as he gives a cold and harsh account of New York resident Willie's existence, played by musician John Lurie. It's set up through a progression of vignettes as his life is put in disarray when his younger cousin Eva (Eszter Balint) unexpectedly visits him and stops for a few days. Rounding out a trio of characters is Willie's companion Eddie, played by drummer Richard Edson - he features on Sonic Youth's debut album and is the regular drummer for the post-punk band KONK.
There's additionally an effective symbiotic relationship which transpires within the film's music, often Screamin' Jay Hawkins's I Put a Spell on You, and the dry humour launched from the performers. As the bizarre and speculative adventure evolves, Jarmusch elects not to edge himself in devoting himself to a particular critiquing on the American Dream. Instead, he calls awareness to the films deadpan attributes to tell a tale of expatriation and lethargy entirely dehydrated of romanticism.