Out in the woods, a terrified man runs, trying to escape an unknown threat. After a terrible fall, he encounters three mysterious strangers, all wearing masks that resemble a father, mother, and daughter—collectively known as “The Strangers.” Unfortunately, things do not end well for the man attempting to flee. After this scene, we discover through text on the screen that the FBI estimates there are about 1.4 million violent crimes in America each year, which translates to one occurrence every 26.3 seconds. This is the story of one of the most brutal crimes.
Set in Venus, Oregon, Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) and Maya (Madelaine Petsch) are a couple celebrating their fifth anniversary since they first met. While travelling, they stop at a diner and find the locals strange and mysterious. When they prepare to leave and continue their journey, they discover that their car won’t start. A local mechanic confirms that there is an issue with a part, which unfortunately won’t be in stock until the next day. This frustrating discovery forces them to stay nearby overnight. Fortunately, an Airbnb is available, and the couple can catch a ride there. They hope for a night of relaxation and romance, but someone has other intentions.
Suddenly, there is a loud knock at the door from a mysterious girl whose face is hidden in the shadows. She claims to be looking for someone named Tamara. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning, as The Strangers soon arrive, intent on stalking and attempting to murder both Ryan and Maya! Will Ryan and Maya survive the night and escape safely before it’s too late?
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a horror film and the first instalment of an upcoming trilogy. It is a reboot with no direct connection to The Strangers (2008) or The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018). Directed by Renny Harlin, known for his work in films such as Die Harder (1990) and Deep Blue Sea (1999), this film aims to introduce a fresh take on the series.
I appreciate the atmosphere of this film, which primarily takes place over one night. The visuals of the house, the costumes, and the appearance of the villains are all outstanding. The film’s audio track is inspiring, with its brilliant soundtrack by Justin Caine Burnett and sound effects that enhance the viewing experience. I also liked the film’s opening; although it feels somewhat familiar, it effectively sets the stage for something brutal, preparing viewers for what lies ahead. However, the hype surrounding the film’s introduction ultimately doesn’t live up to the excitement and anticipation it generates.
While The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a complete reboot of the series with a new story, it suffers from poorly developed leading characters. The characters frequently make painful choices and respond to each other in clichéd ways, making it difficult for audiences to care about them once the threat is introduced. Additionally, the film is bogged down by numerous subplots that distract from and weaken the overall narrative. For example, Ryan must return to his car to retrieve his inhaler, which he accidentally left behind at the Airbnb. Despite these frustrating subplots and unwise decisions by the characters, I found myself compelled to see how the film would unfold. I was eager to learn the outcomes for both Ryan and Maya.
Overall, while the film starts strongly with an engaging opening and introduction, it ultimately falls short of the hype surrounding it. As the first chapter of a new trilogy, it should have been much more impressive. By the time the credits rolled, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the film was merely average, with many missed opportunities—especially regarding its leading characters. They often came off as unlikeable or made baffling, poor choices repeatedly. On a positive note, I found the film’s audio score excellent. The locations, nighttime atmosphere, and portrayal of The Strangers were also commendable. Ultimately, I can only hope for much greater things in Chapter Two, as the potential is evident but sadly remains unexplored.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) is Now Available on Blu-ray!
4.8/10
Published: 4th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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