The Strangers Chapter 1 Review

Horror movies with human villains can be especially chilling because they hit close to home. Back in 2008, when “The Strangers” first hit the big screen, I was a fan. There’s something about horror films where the threat comes from ordinary people that really gets under my skin. The idea that someone with “mental illness” could hold you hostage and end your life feels disturbingly plausible in our world. In the movie, a couple staying at a vacation home find themselves terrorized by three masked intruders – a premise that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Fast forward to 2018, and we got the sequel: “The Strangers: Prey at Night.” This time, it’s a vacationing family at a secluded mobile park who face the same masked strangers. The film leaves you wondering whether these villains are the same ones who haunted the couple in the original. Was it watchable? Sure. Would I watch it again? Maybe not. But was there anything truly memorable about it? Not particularly. Sometimes, sequels just don’t capture the magic of the first installment.

In 2024, six years after the second installment, we’re treated to “The Strangers: Chapter 1.” But here’s the twist: it’s supposedly a stand-alone story within the trilogy, set in the present day. So, is it really a prequel? Not likely, considering the timeline places it after the other films. According to ScreenRant.com, aside from the killers and the overall concept, there are no direct connections to the past movies – a bit disappointing, isn’t it?

Now, let’s dive into the movie itself. We meet Maya (played by Madelaine Petsch) and her boyfriend Ryan (Froy Gutierrez), embarking on a cross-country trip to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Of course, they end up lost and stranded in a small Oregon town called Venus – a classic horror setup. Now where’s the mentally challenged mechanic with a slight limp? 

Enter stage left, the creaky gas station door swinging open, revealing a mechanic named “Rudy” with a slight limp. He agrees to fix their car, but alas, it’ll have to wait until morning. And just like that, he conveniently points them toward an Airbnb within walking distance. Suspiciously convenient, right? 

So, there I am, midway through the film, and my interest is waning. Sure, I know how it’ll wrap up, but I soldier on. Ryan, our inhaler-needing hero, dashes off on a conveniently placed motorcycle from the Airbnb. Maya, left solo, faces an aggressive knocker at the door – someone inquiring about a mysterious “Tamara.” Curious, she steps outside, and here’s where I wonder if she’s secretly nearsighted: a Scarecrow lurks nearby, and she’s blissfully unaware.

Back indoors, the power cuts out, and Dollface emerges from the shadows. Now, this moment should’ve been a jump scare, but alas, my heart rate remains steady. Ryan returns, and things take a nosedive. Blood drips from a chandelier, courtesy of a dead chicken – efficient invaders, indeed. I mean, they had time to kill a chicken and hoist it up there. Maybe they’re secretly auditioning for the next SEAL Team – just a thought.

The Scarecrow attacks, then abruptly stops and exits the house. The couple flees, planning a dramatic exit on the motorbike – but guess what? Boom! The bike explodes. They find refuge in a crawlspace, then a shed where Ryan stumbles upon a shotgun. It’s a cycle of attacks, rinse, repeat. And the grand finale? Well, it’s eerily similar to the other films – a bit lackluster, truth be told.

Would I recommend it? Not really. But hey, if you’re folding laundry and need some background entertainment, go ahead and give it a watch. No need to dissect every detail – this one won’t keep you up at night.

I give this movie 2 out of 5 acorns.