Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
2008’s The Strangers has left a mark among horror fans nearly two decades later. This is predominantly because it reinvented the intention of cinematic serial killers. Where before there was a method behind the madness, Bryan Bertino’s original had a chilling trio of killers with no intention. They found joy in killing simply because the couple was home.
Now a new generation is being introduced to this trio of strangers as they terrorize another couple. And although the title heavily hints at this being a prequel, it’s more a remake of Bertino’s original. A couple, Gregory (Gabriel Basso) and Maya (Madelaine Petsch), travel through Oregon for Maya’s important job interview. When their car breaks down in a small rural town they book the only Airbnb: an isolated cabin.
Just like the original, a girl knocks on the door asking for someone who isn’t there. Immediately, Maya is creeped out but Gregory tells her everything is fine. This is a recurring theme throughout the Film. Making the two feel like old horror archetypal characters of the terrified girlfriend and the dismissive boyfriend. These are archetypes that don’t necessarily work in today’s world. Although, Petsch and Basso do their best to elevate them.
Petsch completely immerses herself into a woman who is being hunted for sport and will stop at nothing to survive. She’s captivating in moments she’s created for her character to show bravery and in her crippling fear. And Basso turns on the charm that allows the audience to still want Gregory to survive even if he’s the boyfriend we all roll our eyes at for minimizing his girlfriend’s pleas.
What Director Renny Harlin and Co-Writers Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland have excelled at is building tension. When the trio arrives, Maya is alone at the cabin. She doesn’t even know they are inside with her. There are eerie shots of one of them watching her in the shower. But nothing beats the scene with Maya playing a piano and in the mirror above her we see one of them watching her. These are spine-chilling moments that fans of the original will praise.
There are many moments throughout this anxiety-inducing prequel/remake that make it a worthy introduction to a new generation of Horror fans. Yet, for those familiar with the original may feel a little let-down.
Cineplex Pictures release THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 on Friday, May 17, 2024.
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