by Jack Grimme, Contributing Writer
The Strangers: Chapter 1 follows Maya and Jeff, a young couple who are struggling to decide whether or not they should take their long term relationship to the next step. In the midst of this dilemma, they find themselves in an isolated home, besieged by a trio of vicious masked intruders. If this sounds familiar, it may be due to the fact that you saw this movie over a decade ago. The film’s predecessor, The Strangers, released in 2008 to lukewarm critical acclaim, but shocking financial success. Chapter 1 now marks the third entry in the franchise and, based on the title, they have no intention of stopping anytime soon. Unfortunately, the similarities go far beyond the inherent ties of films across a franchise, and could potentially lead to this series’ premature death.
One thing has to be said early in this conversation: Chapter 1 is nearly a shot-for-shot remake of the original film. Admittedly, I have not seen the second film in the franchise. My understanding is that the first three are anthology films which follow a new family under the same threat. I expected this latest release to follow the original’s formula, because that is how sequels typically work. However, it fails to provide its audience with an ounce of originality. The structure and progression is the exact same, even taking some lines directly from the original release. The characters make the exact same decisions, even though they are completely unrelated to each other. Every single scare falls completely flat because they were spoiled 15 years ago. There are virtually no stakes, because you know exactly how the film is going to proceed and inevitably end.
And that is certainly not the only way that this film completely manages to undercut any tension and thrill throughout the experience. It seems like the series is trying to ground its horror in the reality of the situation. Both films open with on-screen text that presents statistics about home invasions in the real world. This is a truly chilling concept with inherent horror, because it could happen to anyone watching the film. Unfortunately, any potential ties to reality are immediately curbed when you watch the film. The titular antagonists are presented as normal people as far as the audience knows. They are not mythical embodiments of evil. The series never suggests that they are demons, ghosts, or ghouls. They are simply people who enjoy inflicting pain on others. If they weren’t, it would obviously be extinguishing the links to reality from the jump. However, the feats they pull off are inhuman. They appear just outside of our protagonist’s peripheral vision, breathing down their necks, but manage completely to vanish before the lead can turn their head an inch. The masked killers will be standing in the center of an open field then disappear in the time it takes to blink once.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is not the first horror film I have seen. I understand that we have to give the director, Renny Harlin, a little bit of wiggle room to allow for thrills that enhance the threat and ambiance. But there are two reasons I am not letting the movie off the hook. The sheer amount of times it pulls this inane, aforementioned trick on the audience is truly unforgivable. Every other shot has a figure looming in the background only to cease to exist in the next frame. Secondly, and more importantly, this practice works in opposition to the key conceit the film is based on: instilling horror in the audience because it can happen to anyone. The punchiest line of the franchise, uttered at the climax of both films, speaks this truth directly to the audience. It is tantamount to setting a Jaws movie in a landlocked state. The threat of the story vanishes (pun intended) due to the circumstances on display.
This movie’s foundation is so unsteady that every supporting piece falls apart. The leads are forgettable and nothing more than cogs in the machine with no identity or autonomy. The one true dilemma that the protagonists face is taken nearly verbatim from the first film, making the scene feel more like checking a box than a true trial for the characters to overcome. A sentiment that really could be applied to the entire project.
Overall, I am just left wondering who this film is for. If you loved the first one, I imagine this process would be frustrating, because you are simply forced to watch them butcher a beloved tale. And if you didn’t enjoy it or haven’t seen it, every single creative choice is completely contradictory to the point that watching it will be frustrating regardless. It reads as a true cash grab with as little innovation as humanly possible. Shockingly, there are two direct sequels on the way that intend to continue this story. Just another way that this film manages to undercut the “it can happen to anyone” motif that seemed to be the primary focus from the jump.
Rating: Hated It
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is currently playing in theaters
You can read more from Jack Grimme, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd