The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) Review

The Strangers: Chapter 1 marks the beginning of a new trilogy, helmed by Renny Harlin, aiming to revitalise the horror franchise initiated by Bryan Bertino in 2008. This latest installment attempts to blend the terror of the original with a fresh narrative approach, yet from the outset it struggles to break free from the shadows of its predecessors.

Set against the backdrop of a secluded Airbnb in Venus, Oregon, the film introduces us to Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez), a couple on a cross-country road trip. Their seemingly idyllic journey takes a sinister turn when their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in a town that exudes an unsettling vibe. As they settle into their temporary abode, the couple becomes the target of three masked assailants – Scarecrow, Dollface, and Pin-Up Girl – who transform their night into a harrowing fight for survival.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 opens with an eerie sense of foreboding, echoing the atmospheric tension that defined the 2008 original. However, while Harlin’s direction delivers some genuinely chilling moments, the film often feels like a rehash rather than a reinvention. The narrative follows familiar beats, and despite a few effective jump scares, it lacks the unpredictability that made the original so compelling.

Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez bring a geniune chemistry to their roles, grounding the film with their earnest performances. Petsch, in particular, shines as Maya, capturing her character’s transition from carefree traveler to a desperate survivor with convincing intensity. Gutierrez’s portrayal of Ryan complements her well, although his character arc feels somewhat underdeveloped.

The masked intruders, reprising their roles from the original, retain their menacing presence. The decision to keep their motivations ambiguous is a nod to the franchise’s roots, yet it also feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into their psyche. The chilling line, “Because you’re here,” uttered by Pin-Up Girl, still resonates, but it doesn’t quite pack the same punch as it did the first time around.

Visually, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a mixed bag. Cinematographer José David Montero captures the claustrophobic interiors and the foreboding exteriors with a deft touch, using shadows and light to heighten the tension. However, the film’s aesthetic often leans too heavily into stylised horror tropes, sacrificing the raw, gritty feel that characterised Bertino’s original.

The screenplay, penned by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland, introduces some interesting elements but ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive story. The dialogue is serviceable, though it occasionally dips into cliché territory. The film’s pacing is another point of contention; while the initial build-up is effective, the latter half feels rushed, as if the script is trying to cram too much into its runtime.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to create suspense through minimalism. Harlin employs a technique where the intruders often appear in the background, unnoticed by the protagonists, which generates a sense of dread. This approach works well in maintaining a continuous thread of tension, even if it becomes somewhat predictable as the film progresses.

Despite its shortcomings, The Strangers: Chapter 1 does succeed in setting the stage for its sequels. It’s a film that, while not groundbreaking, serves as a serviceable entry point for new audiences and a nostalgic trip for fans of the original. The decision to shoot all three chapters consecutively suggests a coherent vision for the trilogy, and one can only hope that the subsequent installments will build on the foundation laid here, exploring the characters and lore in greater depth.

In a landscape crowded with horror reboots and sequels, The Strangers: Chapter 1 unfortunately struggles to carve out a distinct identity. It’s a film that teeters on the edge of innovation but ultimately falls back on familiar ground. For viewers seeking a straightforward horror experience with moments of genuine tension, it delivers. However, those hoping for a fresh take on the home invasion genre may find themselves yearning for the unsettling simplicity of the 2008 original.

Movie Rating:

The Strangers: Chapter 1 trailer