The Strangers: Chapter 1 Review: An Intense Thriller

The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a suspenseful and intense thriller that will have viewers on the edge of their seat and begging for more.

The Strangers Chapter 1 movie review

Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez star in The Strangers: Chapter 1 which is just the first entry in an upcoming horror series. This film is an intense thriller that will leave viewers on edge. The most terrifying thing about it is it seems as if it is truly something that could happen to anyone.

When their car breaks down in a strange town in the middle of nowhere, Maya (Petsch) and Ryan (Gutierrez) are forced to spend the night. The couple is immediately on edge, as the townfolk do not exactly welcome them with open arms. In the middle of the night there is a knock on the door, and what follows is a terrifying night of horror.

The Strangers Chapter 1 movie review

Suspenseful, Intense, & Terrifying

The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a reboot of the horror fan favorite, The Strangers (2008). It does a wonderful job of capturing the same spirit while delivering on something new. Viewers will not feel as if they have seen this film before, which is important when creating a reboot. Instead, Chapter 1 is even more intense and suspensefull than the original.

As with most horror films, we know where this is going before it gets there, but that isn’t a bad thing. Thankfully The Strangers: Chapter 1 does not waste much time before the jump scares and uneasiness starts in. When the couples’ car breaks down, we know they are in for it, but there is something intriguing yet terrifying about the town, that is hard to put a finger on.

Once alone in a rental house for the night, that is when the terror truly starts. There are more jump scares and a fair amount of blood and violence. Things do not ever cross the line when it comes to gore, which can be a pro or con depending on how you feel about. There are just a handful of scenes sprinkled in for those who like watching through their fingers and feeling uncomfortable.

The majority of The Strangers: Chapter 1 is the hunt. These people that show up at the cabin are poised for the hunt. This is very clearly a game for them as they do not actually attack the couple for quite some time. This adds to the suspense of the movie, and will certainly have viewers on the edge of their seats. The masks add a level of creepiness to what is going on, and the way that the three strangers act, as if this is just another evening for them, is absolutely terrifying.

The Strangers Chapter 1 movie review

A Cliffhanger Ending

As expected with a movie that includes Chapter 1 in the title, there is a cliffhanger ending. Many things are left up in the air in order to ensure a thrilling next chapter, however, even though audiences are certain this is how things are going to end up, it is a bit frustrating.

While surely viewers will be on the edge of their seats pretty much all the way through, thanks to a chilling score and thrilling hunt by the strangers, it does really feel as if things start to get rolling towards the middle of the third act. The ending isn’t exactly abrupt, but it is slightly annoying as those watching will surely be hoping for just a little bit more.

That said, thankfully we are given that with a mid-credit sequence, that is just as shocking and terrifying as the rest of the film, so be sure to stick around for that.

NEXT: Wildcat Review: Maya Hawke Delivers An Incredible Performance

The Strangers Chapter 1 movie poster

About The Strangers: Chapter 1

After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez) are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive in THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1, the chilling first entry of this upcoming horror feature film series.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 hits theaters on May 17th.

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