My wife and I recently saw The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) in theaters. The storyline follows a couple traveling across Oregon on the way to a job interview for the wife. When their car breaks down, they are forced to stay in a local Airbnb. Some locals decide to "welcome" them with violence.
This film is directed by Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger) and stars Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale), Froy Gutierrez (Hocus Pocus 2), Ryan Bown (Perfect Addiction), Richard Brake (31), and Ben Cartwright (Sherlock Holmes).
This is one of those films that's clearly missing one or two ingredients to be good. It's too bad because there were some elements that I enjoyed. The two main characters ruin the movie. The acting feels made for television, doesn't appear natural at all, and I ended up not caring what happened to them. I was rooting for the villains. The horror atmosphere takes over the movie shortly after they get to the cabin. It does a good job of creating atmosphere with classic subtle horror elements. I loved the use of shadows, mirrors, masks, and awkwardness to maintain an intense feel throughout the entire film. The depiction of the villains and the long, heavy shots of them were particularly well done. There are some solid jump scares and excellent stab scenes. It's too bad the main characters were so poorly written and acted. Additionally, the film doesn't have any elements that make it feel like a prequel (i.e., Chapter One).
In conclusion, The Strangers: Chapter 1 has enough elements to make it worth a watch for horror enthusiasts but doesn't live up to its potential. I would score this a 4-4.5/10 and only recommend it to diehard fans of the genre.
This film is directed by Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger) and stars Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale), Froy Gutierrez (Hocus Pocus 2), Ryan Bown (Perfect Addiction), Richard Brake (31), and Ben Cartwright (Sherlock Holmes).
This is one of those films that's clearly missing one or two ingredients to be good. It's too bad because there were some elements that I enjoyed. The two main characters ruin the movie. The acting feels made for television, doesn't appear natural at all, and I ended up not caring what happened to them. I was rooting for the villains. The horror atmosphere takes over the movie shortly after they get to the cabin. It does a good job of creating atmosphere with classic subtle horror elements. I loved the use of shadows, mirrors, masks, and awkwardness to maintain an intense feel throughout the entire film. The depiction of the villains and the long, heavy shots of them were particularly well done. There are some solid jump scares and excellent stab scenes. It's too bad the main characters were so poorly written and acted. Additionally, the film doesn't have any elements that make it feel like a prequel (i.e., Chapter One).
In conclusion, The Strangers: Chapter 1 has enough elements to make it worth a watch for horror enthusiasts but doesn't live up to its potential. I would score this a 4-4.5/10 and only recommend it to diehard fans of the genre.