'The Strangers: Chapter 1' Review: Madelaine Petsch impresses but film fails the ultimate horror test
Contains spoilers for 'The Strangers: Chapter 1'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Strangers: Chapter 1', the third installment in 'The Strangers' film series, officially hit theaters on Friday, May 17, plunging viewers into a world of terror as a group of deranged strangers, their faces hidden behind eerie masks, unleash chaos and fear.
Starring Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso, and Ema Horvath in pivotal roles, the film revolves around a couple who embark on a seemingly ordinary road trip.
However, their journey takes a dark turn when they seek refuge in an isolated Airbnb home. It's a classic setup that often sets the stage for intense and suspenseful storytelling.
If you were expecting spine-chilling horror, you may need to think again. While the premise of the film sets up a potentially terrifying scenario, the execution may not deliver the intense scares you're anticipating. The film heavily relies on jump scares to create a sense of fear and suspense.
Despite Madelaine Petsch's standout acting, the storyline of 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' falters
Madelaine Petsch stars as Maya, who is deeply in love with her husband, Ryan, portrayed by Froy Gutierrez. As the couple embarks on a road trip, their journey takes a terrifying turn when they encounter three masked men who unleash a series of horrors upon them.
Petsch delivers a natural and convincing performance as Maya, a woman thrust into a nightmare scenario. Her portrayal of fear, screams, and shock when confronted by the masked assailants is raw and believable, drawing viewers into the intensity of the situation.
In the first half of the film, Petsch portrays Maya as a sweet, loving wife, and a happy-go-lucky individual. Maya is shown as carefree and optimistic, cherishing the moments they share and looking forward to their future together.
However, in the second half of the film, Maya's character undergoes a dramatic transformation. Petsch skillfully transforms Maya into a woman driven by survival instincts.
While 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' succeeds in delivering thrills and scares through Petsch's acting, its storyline ultimately falls short, relying heavily on familiar horror techniques to elicit fear among viewers.
The plotline of a couple facing off against masked assailants in a secluded setting is a trope that has been used in various horror films, making it feel overly used in the genre.
As the plot unfolds, viewers may find themselves anticipating the next scare or twist, diminishing the element of surprise that is crucial for horror films.
'The Strangers: Chapter 1' relies on jumpscares and loud noises, but fails to deliver genuine horror
The jumpscares, while initially effective in eliciting shock and fear in the first half, are overly used throughout the film, becoming predictable and losing their effectiveness.
Petsch does her best in the role of Maya, but her performance is hampered by the limitations of the script. As an executive producer, she may have had creative input into the film, but her efforts to elevate the material ultimately fell short.
While there are some genuinely tense moments in this horror flick, they are overshadowed by the film's formulaic approach to horror. Additionally, the script lacks depth, offering little in terms of character development.
In certain scenes, the scares feel forced and manufactured, lacking the organic build-up and payoff that characterize truly effective horror films.
'The Strangers: Chapter 1' may be a decent choice for a one-time watch, especially for viewers who are not big fans of horror films. However, for those who are well-versed in the genre, the film may fall short of expectations.