The Strangers: Chapter 1, the latest installment in the iconic horror franchise, attempts to resurrect the chilling atmosphere of the original while introducing fresh faces and a new narrative arc. Directed by Renny Harlin and penned by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland, this film marks the beginning of an ambitious standalone trilogy, set within the same universe as its predecessor.

The plot follows Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez), a couple on a road trip celebrating their five-year anniversary. Their journey takes a sinister turn when they encounter three masked strangers in a small town. Stranded in an Airbnb for the night, they find themselves hunted by these psychopaths, leading to a nightmarish fight for survival.

While The Strangers: Chapter 1 boasts the iconic look of its villains and promises of a revitalized franchise, it struggles to break free from the formulaic constraints of its predecessors. The plot feels like familiar territory, relying on well-worn horror tropes without offering much in terms of innovation. However, the film’s tense atmosphere and relentless pacing keep viewers on the edge of their seats, even if the narrative feels somewhat predictable.

The performances by Petsch and Gutierrez anchor the film, portraying a couple caught in a terrifying ordeal with believable fear and desperation. The supporting cast, including Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath, adds depth to the ensemble, although their characters feel underdeveloped amidst the chaos.

Visually, the film delivers a gritty and claustrophobic experience, effectively capturing the sense of dread and isolation permeating the narrative. Harlin’s direction keeps the tension high, utilizing tight spaces and ominous lighting to heighten the suspense.

Despite its shortcomings, The Strangers: Chapter 1 serves as a decent entry in the franchise, setting the stage for future installments. With promises of more to come, it remains to be seen if the subsequent chapters will offer a fresh take on the familiar premise or succumb to the pitfalls of repetition.

The Prognosis:

The Strangers: Chapter 1 may not reinvent the horror genre, but it offers enough thrills and chills to satisfy fans of the series while leaving room for improvement in its sequels.

• Saul Muerte