A movie filmed in Newport last year was just released. Here's what you need to know.

NEWPORT — The City-by-the-Sea is back on the big screen.

Diane Kruger, Hank Azaria and Ray Nicholson star in "Out of the Blue," which was partially filmed in Newport and the surrounding area in September 2021. The romance thriller written and directed by Neil LaBute was released on Aug. 26.

Of course, this isn't the only film shot in Newport to be released this year. "Hocus Pocus 2," starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy and filmed largely on Washington Square, is set to debut on Disney+ on Sept. 30.

Here's what you need to know about "Out of the Blue":

What is 'Out of the Blue' about and how can you see it?

According to IMDB.com, Connor Bates (played by Nicholson) is trying to put his life back together after being released from prison on an assault charge. He works in a library and spends his free time running and swimming.

Bates crosses paths with Marilyn Chambers (played by Kruger), the wife of a wealthy businessman. Chambers and Bates become involved in a passionate relationship that quickly escalates into idle talk about her husband's murder.

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The running time is 1 hour, 44 minutes and it is rated R. It can be viewed on various streaming services.

Who are the actors?

Kruger is best known for her role as Abigail Chase in the "National Treasure" franchise. She's also appeared in the Quintin Tarantino film "Inglourious Basterds" and starred alongside Liam Neeson in "Unknown."

Azaria's career began in 1987, appearing in films "Pretty Woman" and "Birdcage," though he's best known for voicing several characters (Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Comic Book Guy) on the long-running animated series "The Simpsons."

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Nicholson, the son of Academy Award winner Jack Nicholson, appears in "The Benchwarmers," "Licorice Pizza" and "The Outsider." He also has three credits that are in post-production.

Why was Newport chosen as a filming location?

Filming crews set up throughout the state and shot scenes at Simpatico restaurant (now called Beech) in Jamestown, as well as Newport Shipyard and Goat Island in Newport.

“I think we've hit every city in Rhode Island,” Tara Craig, a producer of the film, told The Daily News in September. "When you see the movie, there's a lot of wealth and beautiful scenery, and Newport is that. That was one of the key reasons why we came here.”

What are the critics saying?

The reviews aren't too good. According to the website rottentomatoes.com, "Out of the Blue" has a positivity rating of just 17% among critics and 29% among audience members.

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"A great femme fatale can elevate any noir, but the talented Kruger isn’t given much to work with here," Geoff Berkshire wrote for the Los Angeles Times.

"A last-minute twist comes too late to rescue the plot; Connor, sadly, was always beyond saving," Jeannette Catsoulis wrote for the New York Times.

Martin Carr at wegotthiscovered.com cast the film in a positive light in his review: "This film noir from the mind of Neil LaBute is a simmering potboiler with shades of thriller thrown in. Ray Nicholson and Diane Kruger work wonders within this well-crafted concept, joining their writer-director in resurrecting an aging genre."

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: 'Out of the Blue' stars Diane Kruger, filmed in Newport, RI, released