With an overpopulated influx of Japanese remakes and teen-targeted horror films, Bryan Bettino's "The Strangers" is a satisfying, mature addition into the horror genre. Although I can't say I truly enjoyed this nihilistic, torture-porn fest, those looking for a terror-filled time at the movies will enjoy what "The Strangers" has to offer. It's a sleazy, gut wrenching experience that effectively accomplishes what it sets out to do.
After a rejected proposal, James (Scott Speedman) and Kristen (Liv Tyler) must uncomfortably share an isolated cabin in the woods. Attempting to console one another, a stranger ominously knocks at 4 o'clock in the morning. Bewildered by the encounter, the simple knocks on the door escalate to a night of sheer terror. Now, victims to their game, James and Kristen must fight for their survival from the trio of sadistic strangers.
I love horror films; there's a comfortable feeling of being able to sit safely while watching people run for their lives from psychotic killers with a lust for blood. They're fake, terrifying, and entertaining. "The Strangers," however, is part of movement in horror films today: realism. Once the film enters its second act, it stops being fun and starts to feel a little too real. I wanted to ask the projectionist to play the fun, slapstick version, not the one that makes me want to stick my head in the oven. I guess what I'm trying to say is thatit really is terrifying.
If there is anything to be learned from "The Strangers" it's that Director Bryan Bertino showcases immense craftsmanship for film-making. Though the plot isn't original, it's a film that operates strictly on suspense. Forget about blood splattering murders, high body counts, and ineffective scares, Bertino's magic is all in the suspense. The film's timing is impeccable; it slowly creeps up on you until the climactic finale. The film's cinematography helps establish a claustrophobic, paranoid-induced environment, leaving viewers feeling like they're there.
With a script that doesn't demand much dialogue, actors Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman effectively perform what the film demands, acting scared. Hidden behind their mask are actors Laura Margolis, Kip Weeks, and Gemma Ward, who undertake a pure physical performance mimicking the likings of Michael Meyers and Jason Voorhees. Their threatening presence is entirely felt.
According to the film, "The Strangers" is based on actual accounts. Whatever the case may be, it's a film that effectively accomplishes its main objective flawlessly. After the film, I thought to myself: I don't even want to imagine myself in that situation.
After a rejected proposal, James (Scott Speedman) and Kristen (Liv Tyler) must uncomfortably share an isolated cabin in the woods. Attempting to console one another, a stranger ominously knocks at 4 o'clock in the morning. Bewildered by the encounter, the simple knocks on the door escalate to a night of sheer terror. Now, victims to their game, James and Kristen must fight for their survival from the trio of sadistic strangers.
I love horror films; there's a comfortable feeling of being able to sit safely while watching people run for their lives from psychotic killers with a lust for blood. They're fake, terrifying, and entertaining. "The Strangers," however, is part of movement in horror films today: realism. Once the film enters its second act, it stops being fun and starts to feel a little too real. I wanted to ask the projectionist to play the fun, slapstick version, not the one that makes me want to stick my head in the oven. I guess what I'm trying to say is thatit really is terrifying.
If there is anything to be learned from "The Strangers" it's that Director Bryan Bertino showcases immense craftsmanship for film-making. Though the plot isn't original, it's a film that operates strictly on suspense. Forget about blood splattering murders, high body counts, and ineffective scares, Bertino's magic is all in the suspense. The film's timing is impeccable; it slowly creeps up on you until the climactic finale. The film's cinematography helps establish a claustrophobic, paranoid-induced environment, leaving viewers feeling like they're there.
With a script that doesn't demand much dialogue, actors Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman effectively perform what the film demands, acting scared. Hidden behind their mask are actors Laura Margolis, Kip Weeks, and Gemma Ward, who undertake a pure physical performance mimicking the likings of Michael Meyers and Jason Voorhees. Their threatening presence is entirely felt.
According to the film, "The Strangers" is based on actual accounts. Whatever the case may be, it's a film that effectively accomplishes its main objective flawlessly. After the film, I thought to myself: I don't even want to imagine myself in that situation.