Counter Culture

805 words, 4 minutes read time. Contains spoilers.

“The Strangers: Chapter 1” is a suspenseful yet occasionally perplexing addition to the horror genre. Directed by Renny Harlin, this 2024 release aims to reinvigorate “The Strangers” franchise with a new standalone trilogy. While it successfully delivers moments of tension and fear, it also features character decisions that might leave you scratching your head. Let’s delve deeper into the film, examining its plot, performances, and overall impact.

Origins and Universe

The original two “Strangers” films focused on three masked murderers who terrorized innocent homeowners. These films were box office successes despite mixed reviews from critics. Unlike a direct remake or reboot, “Chapter 1” exists in the same universe as the past movies. It delves into the origin stories of the masked intruders from the original films. While it maintains the core ideas, it introduces fresh characters and plotlines, paying homage to the old films with Easter eggs.

The earlier movies featured intense moments of bloodshed, including accidental shootings and executions by the Strangers. The new film follows a similar formula but focuses more on unnerving scenes where the protagonists, Maya and Ethan, remain unaware of the Strangers’ presence. The tension builds as the masked intruders lurk in the shadows.

Plot Summary

Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ethan (Froy Gutierrez) are a young couple on a road trip to mend their strained relationship. When their car breaks down in the middle of an eerie, seemingly deserted small town, they decide to spend the night in a remote cabin suggested by locals As night falls, ominous knocks on the door awaken them, and they realize they are being stalked by three masked strangers: Dollface (Rachel Shenton), Pin-Up Girl (Megan Suri), and The Man in the Mask (Gabriel Basso). These assailants delight in psychological and physical torment with little explanation of their motives. The remote location creates a sense of isolation, cut-off from possible help.

Performance Highlights

Madelaine Petsch, known for her role in “Riverdale,” delivers a standout performance as Maya. Her portrayal of fear and vulnerability adds depth to her character. Froy Gutierrez as Ethan provides a solid counterpart, although his character’s decisions sometimes undermine the tension. Rachel Shenton, Megan Suri, and Gabriel Basso excel as the masked tormentors, their silence and body language amplifying the horror.

Atmosphere and Tension

The film excels in creating an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere. The remote cabin setting, combined with the constant threat of the masked strangers, keeps viewers on edge. Sound design and cinematography work together to build a sense of dread, with every creak, piano stroke and shadow adding to the tension.

Key Scenes

The Man in the Mask Reveal: As the tension builds, there’s a scene where the camera focuses on a dark corner of the room. Suddenly, the Man in the Mask steps out from the shadows, catching viewers off guard. The combination of lighting, audio stings, and the unexpected appearance creates an effective jump scare.

Shower Scene: In another intense moment, a lone woman is unknowingly watched by a masked man as she showers. The suspense builds as the audience anticipates the inevitable jump scare. When it finally happens, it’s a heart-pounding moment that plays on the fear of vulnerability, objectification and invasion of privacy.

Critical Reception

While “The Strangers: Chapter 1” has its strengths, it also faces criticism:

• Lack of Originality: Critics argue that the film closely follows the plot and structure of the original “The Strangers,” leading to a sense of déjà vu. The lack of new elements makes it feel repetitive.
• Overreliance on Jump Scares: The movie frequently resorts to jump scares, effective in the moment but sometimes feeling cheap and formulaic.
• Poor Character Decisions: Characters often make illogical choices, straining credibility. For instance, Ethan’s decision to shout into the woods instead of hiding and preparing to ambush the masked intruders diminishes tension.

Despite these flaws, there’s an element of fun in questioning the characters’ decisions. Watching Ethan continuously reassure Maya that “everything will be alright” despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary adds an unintended layer of dark humor. This aspect of the film can be amusing for viewers who enjoy dissecting character logic in horror movies.

Conclusion

“The Strangers: Chapter 1” offers a blend of suspense, fear, and occasional frustration. It succeeds in creating a tense, atmospheric experience with strong performances, especially from Madelaine Petsch. However, its lack of originality and reliance on jump scares can make it feel like a retread of the original. The illogical decisions made by the characters provide both unintentional humor and a point of critique.

For fans of the franchise and those who appreciate a good scare, “The Strangers: Chapter 1” delivers enough thrills to be worth a watch. Just be prepared to occasionally ask yourself, “Why would they do that?” as the terror unfolds.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Picture credit

By Lionsgate – http://www.impawards.com/2024/strangers_chapter_one_xxlg.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75055307