I was surprisingly keen to watch “The Strangers: Chapter 1” because I’m a fan of the original 2008 film. So many things about it worked for me. I really felt Director Renny Harlin managed to convey a sense of dread and tension that’s difficult to capture in a film that revolves around two main characters, who both carry a film with little variation in terms of setting. And a large part of its success, in my opinion, belongs to Liv Tyler, who communicates so well the sheer horror of the situation with a genuinely emotive, believable and at times, heart-wrenching performance. So, I was excited to hear that a new trilogy was under wraps for one of my Top 10 favourite horror/thriller movies. I wanted to see what fresh new take Harlin could offer, curious to see how it would fit within a three-part series.
As with the 2008 original, the film features a young couple Maya (“Riverdale’s” Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) who are on route to starting a new life together in the Pacific Northwest (they’re cute, sure, but they’re no Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman). On their way, they stop off at a little roadside café, where they are both judged by some of the creepy locals for being unmarried after 5 years together (gasp). Issues with their car, potentially deliberate, force them to stay overnight in a remote cabin in the woods (sorry, but I’d have walked if it were me). From here on, they are tormented by three masked figures who break in and terrorize them into the night.
Essentially a First Film Replica
I was trying to understand why I spent about half of the film checking out Instagram and Spotify, and not glued to the screen as I was with the 2008 film. And yes, I know it’s unfair to compare the two but, really, if you’re going to make a film that is essentially a replica of the original, what do you expect? And this, I think, is where the issue lies. The film largely follows the plot of its predecessor and, if anything, does so (in my opinion) in a much simpler, less atmospheric way.
For starters, I struggled to gain any real connection with the lead protagonists. In my opinion, if a film revolves around one or two key characters, it’s important that we feel a connection with said characters, and that we are invested in and care about their journeys. Maya and Ryan were sweet, don’t get me wrong. But there was no spark there, nothing to set them apart from every other young American couple we see on-screen. I didn’t feel or really believe in their relationship, and other than the fact that they had been together 5 years, and were apparently in love. There was nothing that really made me root for them, to want to see them fight for their lives and survive.
Madelaine Petsch in “The Strangers: Chapter 1.” (Photo: John Armour/Lionsgate @ 2023).
With the 2008 original, the couple at least had a backstory, and a genuine passion for one another. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but by the end of the 2008 film, in my opinion, you’re really rooting for them to make it work, and so their deaths (*spoiler) are even more tragic for it. With these guys—I hate to say it, and perhaps it’s the romantic cynic in me—but I really couldn’t have cared less. And I’m not sure if this is owed to the writing of the characters, or the performances. I’d like to clarify here that Madelaine Petsch was certainly the stronger of the two but even so, it all felt a bit flat and disappointing for me.
Lacking the Original’s Chemistry
And this really sums up the film for me—‘flat’. Sure, there were some tense moments. Plenty of action, and a bit of grisly gore. But the film lacks any real attention to the finer details. The soundtrack, in my opinion, was lacking; and let’s be honest, every horror needs either a strong soundtrack, or needs to be a strong enough film to hold its own without one. There was minimal chemistry between the characters. Even the chase scenes felt lacking of tension or suspense. In all honesty, the part of the film that intrigued or stuck with me the most was the end shot, that clearly lays the foundation for the next in the series. And perhaps this is fine, perhaps that’s all we need to keep us coming back for more, but I’d have liked a little bit more foreplay before the climactic ending (wouldn’t we all?).
All in all, “The Strangers: Chapter 1” didn’t captivate me in nearly the same way that the 2008 film did. I didn’t personally feel it added anything particularly fresh to the franchise. However, I appreciate this was the first in the series, laying the groundwork for the following two films which, I can’t deny, I will likely be watching. So, for those who are fans of the original; don’t expect fireworks. But it might just about ignite a spark that will have you coming back for more.
Check streaming networks for options to watch “The Strangers: Chapter 1”
