The best scenes in Stranger Daughter were filmed on the beautiful island of Spetses in Greece. Writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal originally planned to shoot in New Jersey in the United States, but due to the constraints of Covid-19, decided to change the location of the entire movie to Greece. Instead of taking the time to shoot the entire film piecemeal, all scenes were adapted to the new script centered around the fictional island of Kyopeli. The island's backdrop, pubs, bars, eateries and scenes match the original locations in the book so perfectly that many fans couldn't notice the difference in setting. This superb work demonstrates a remarkable understanding of choosing the perfect locations for filming.
Room
In movie
Scene where young Leda is playing with her daughter, Bianca. Leda gives Bianca a present and says, "Open your eyes. This is Mommy's doll from when she was a little girl. Her name is Mina." Bianca gently hugs her mom, happy with the gift.
Timing: 00:33:08
Real
Scene was shot in one of the rooms in the school of Anargyreos and Korgialenios on the island of Spetses. It is located at the northern end of the island in a picturesque location. On the way to the school there is a very beautiful and full of greenery route.
Anargirou (house)
In movie
Scene where Leda sits on the balcony of her apartment.
Real
Scene was shot You can find this appartment on the Anargirou coastal road, its balcony is visible from the Mosquito taverna.
Spetses
Zogeria Restaurant
In movie
Scene where Seeing a young mother and daughter on the beach brings back memories to Leda.
Real
Scene was shot Spetses is an island and a municipality in Greece. In ancient times, it was known as Pityussa. Spetses is a borrowing from Italian spezie which means spices.
Spetses does not allow private automobiles within the town limits. The most common modes of transport are walking, horse-drawn carriages, bikes and mopeds. There town does have taxis and delivery vehicles. Ferries and high-speed hydrofoils arrive regularly from the Athenian port of Piraeus.
From 1821, the island played an important role in the Greek War of Independence, and it was the home of celebrated war heroine Laskarina Bouboulina.
Spetses
Apartment
In movie
Scene where Leda Caruso meets caretaker Lyle as she gets out of her car. The caretaker introduces himself as Lyle and greets her, asking if everything was okay on the road. He takes her bags and walks her back to her apartment.
Timing: 00:09:15
Real
Scene was shot in a private house on the coastal road of Anejiru. The film crew thought it best to rent a local house and make it look like a hotel room where Leda stays during her vacation. This house is a private residence not listed on any vacation home website.
Beach
In movie
Scene where Leda Caruso goes to swim in the sea and enjoy the beach vacation. Then, returns to the lounger and picks up a notebook. She is writing something in her journal when she is approached by Will, who interrupts her notes and asks: "Excuse me, can I help you?"
Timing: 00:06:58
Real
Scene was shot on the beautiful beach of Paralia Zogeria, which means Zogeria beach (paralia is beach in Greek). This stunning beach is located in the northwestern part of the Greek island of Spetses. The beach is part of a natural cove surrounded by pine trees, with a small restaurant serving fruit ice and espresso.
