Trailerblazing -- The Strangers: Chapter 1

The Strangers: Chapter 1 -- May 17, 2024 -- directed by Renny Harlin -- starring Madelaine Petsch, Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso, Froy Gutierrez

 

I consider The Strangers to be among the top three most frightening movies that I have ever seen. Bryan Bertino's 2008 tale about three masked intruders terrorizing people for kicks is scary precisely because its horrific and random crimes are being committed by ordinary human beings. The first entry in a new trilogy, Renny Harlin's Chapter 1, seems to be taking a page from the original when it comes to the oppressive atmosphere and a simple yet effective story. The trailer shows the movie ratcheting up the tension from the get-go, what with an unlucky couple ("Riverdale"'s Petsch and "Cruel Summer"'s Gutierrez) having to stay at a remote Oregon AirBnb and coming across some hostile locals, Barbarian's Richard Brake being one of them. Once the two become the Strangers' targets, all hell breaks loose. Petsch is definitely earning her stripes as a new scream queen and maybe a new final girl, while Gutierrez is also a reliable addition. Also, as the trailer mentions, the movie is going to be exploring just how the three criminals got started on their violent path. It looks intense, it looks gripping, and I am eager to see what Harlin does with the whole trilogy.