2008’s The Strangers completely set a new standard for home invasion slashers. That Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman flick was practically an instant hit right out of the gate, eventually spawning a sequel in the excellent, neon-drenched The Strangers: Prey At Night. Now, legendary genre director Renny Harlin (Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Deep Blue Sea) helms a grounded, disturbing trilogy of terror that brings back the horrific Dollface, Scarecrow, and Pin-Up Girl. As the first entry in this rebooted series, Harlin evokes small-stakes, intimate terror at its finest. Fan favorite actors Froy Gutierrez and Madelaine Petsch lead the aptly-named The Strangers: Chapter 1, rippling with gripping tension and unrelenting suspense. Who needs a motive when not having one at all is so much more sinister?
Still loosely based on true events, this entry makes sure to remind us that so many people die from violent crimes per year that seven have been murdered “since you’ve been watching this film.” That statistic alone leaves a creepy feeling hanging over the proceedings. After a bloody pursuit in the woods opens the film, we meet our heroes “somewhere in Oregon.” Adorable couple Maya (Petsch, Riverdale, Polaroid) and Ryan (Gutierrez, Hocus Pocus 2, Initiation) are on the third day of their five-day road trip across the country. Today happens to be a special one—their five year anniversary!
Ryan and Maya decide to stop for a bite to eat at random local spot, Carol’s Diner, in the sleepy small town of Venus, Oregon. Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes permeate as early as here, when the not-so-friendly small town doesn’t appear to take too kindly to strangers. They taunt the couple over not yet being engaged, but the food seems worth staying for. One greasy burger later, before the duo can head for the highway, Ryan’s car breaks down. Conveniently enough, the strange mechanic that was staring at them when they first arrived offers to work on it with one caveat: the part cannot be repaired until first thing in the morning. An implication that some of the townsfolk could be involved in the actual murder adds a new layer.
The setup shifts gears a bit from the earlier franchise entries. Still, Ryan and Maya end up staying at an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere until their car can be fixed. A classic cabin in the woods setup if there ever was one. Harlin wrings maximum buildup from the cabin’s atmospheric setting. Shots are creatively composed to frame the villains in backgrounds or from interesting angles. Around every corner, one of the baddies lurks. They play games with the unsuspecting couple from the very beginning. Folks who have seen the first two movies will spot familiarities that carry over, including religious missionaries, loud knocks at the door, and a nervous giggly girl asking if Tamara’s home. Either way, Dollface, Scarecrow, and Pin-Up Girl emerge to stalk their prey in a menacing, hourlong pursuit all over the house and through the woods. If anything, the trio are sure to leave people with nightmares, looking over their shoulder to make sure one has not followed them home after the screening. Each has a distinct onscreen presence, particularly burlap sack-masked Scarecrow, sporting his gigantic axe.
In a Tribeca Q&A, director Renny Harlin and Madelaine Petsch (who also executive produced, and was quite creatively involved) disclosed that all three chapters of The Strangers were filmed at the same time. This allowed for them to craft a cohesive trilogy with concise characters arcs and a gradual build to the more unnerving moments. Certainly, the characters are very well-rounded; Ryan, painted as a Negative Nancy, has a lovable, protective quality to him. He always insists to go first when danger lurks, even though he needs an inhaler for situations when he gets a little too flustered. Maya has that badass final girl energy about her, in addition to being vegetarian; her pending job in Portland and potentially relocating there hangs over her relationship with Ryan. Maya and Ryan are close enough to be married, yet have not yet taken that next step in their relationship. We root for this couple thanks to the strength of Petsch and Gutierrez as a unit. An authenticity and natural quality to their relationship makes the scarier moments that much more intense.
Once kicking into high gear, The Strangers: Chapter 1 functions almost as one long chase scene. The peaks and valleys lead to many memorable set pieces, including a rat-infested crawlspace, and an extended invasion sequence set to The Moody Blues classic, “Nights in White Satin.” My favorite thing about this deliciously freaky new era of The Strangers lies in its devotion to old school horror feels. Quite the crowd pleaser, Chapter 1 bottles the potent suspense and realism of the original while brewing up a fresh, biting vision of horror all its own. We won’t have to wait long for what happens next, either—Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 will be knocking at the door before you know it.
Do whatever it takes to escape when The Strangers: Chapter 1 chops into theaters everywhere on Friday, May 17th.
