The Strangers: Chapter 1 hit theaters over the weekend and raked up $12 million in ticket sales. Moreover, it had the highest domestic horror opening of 2024 thus far. I bought my tickets early and settled in for the much-anticipated re-imagining/remake of the original The Strangers (2008), and the first part of the scheduled trilogy. So, will we be lining back up for the sequels, already in post-production?
The Survey Says
Despite earning back its budget and an additional $4 million, reviews have not been as kind. Current critics consensus has the film receiving a “C” CinemaScore and 13% RT and 43% audience score. Moviegoers have a lot to say about this reboot but not all of it is bad.
Directed by Renny Harlin, The Strangers follows a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez) stranded by car trouble. With no other choice but to bunk for the night in a secluded cabin, their unscheduled stay turns from bad to worse when a stranger comes knocking.
Fresh Faces, Same Ol’ Story
There have been plenty of remakes/re-imaginings and fans will always be divided on whether they love or hate a new take on a familiar movie. Halloween, Friday the 13th, Psycho, etc. However, there doesn’t seem too much to anticipate in this one for most to look forward to.
Happy couple Maya and Ryan are celebrating an anniversary by traveling across the country so that Maya can apply for a new job. However, not much is provided in Ryan’s background. Similarly to the original, they do have a little drama of their own to contend with. Ultimately, after a few additions to the cast of unmasked characters and changes to location and happenstance, not much else plays out differently.
Pros and Cons
A secluded cabin in a remote location will always be a little unsettling and Harlin does well setting an unnerving mood. Our masked trio appears just as sinister on their unlit porch in the middle of the night. Pinup and Dollface masked women possess slightly more character this time around with a sack- masked gentleman leading the brood. However, much of the terror and suspense is lost when played out all over again. Most of the key changes unfolded in the first two acts with a finale that was underwhelming and almost criminally repetitive.
What’s Down Must Come Up?
There’s really not anywhere to go but up from this point. Chapters 2 & 3 have been shot and are in post-production. If you’re one of the many that needed to know more, wanted an unmasking of sorts, or additional kills from this masked trio, well, you’re in luck. I may have left my seat unsatisfied but I am still hopeful for things to kick off with the next installment. If I have any advice for moviegoers, I’d say skip the original and go into this one with a fresh set of eyes. There isn’t much to spoil if you’ve never seen the original.
