The Strangers
3/4
Starring: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman
The version being reviewed is unrated. For the record, the theatrical cut is rated R for Terror/Violence and Language
What makes "The Strangers" work is that first-time writer/director Bryan Bertino takes his time. He does not rush things. He makes sure we get a sense of the two lead characters, then slowly ratches up the tension. And like any good horror director, he builds. And builds on top of that. And so on. Soon, the tension becomes unbearable. That is the mark of a good filmmaker.
James Hoyt (Speedman) and Kristen McKay (Tyler) are on their way home from a wedding. Things are pretty tense, as she has just turned down his marriage proposal. While deciding what to do next, someone comes to their door and asks a bizarre question: "Is Tamara home?" They say no, and the girl goes away. James goes out for some air and to buy Kristen another pack of cigarettes. Kristen is home alone and facing knocks at the door with no answer and things going missing. Soon, the formerly-happy couple is in a fight for their lives against a trio of masked psychopaths.
Anyone who watches this movie will see that Bertino got his influence from John Carpenter's classic, "Halloween." I also found similarities with Michael Haneke's "Funny Games," but I don't know if that was intentional (certainly, this is the movie that Haneke was giving the finger to with "Funny Games"). But he is smart enough to pay homage without stealing from it. It's the feel of the film that brings the 1978 film to mind. The importance of foregrounds, the minimalist music and plot, and most importantly, the expressionless and mostly silent killers. But "The Strangers" is very much its own movie. Like in "Halloween," there isn't a tremendous amount of physical violence or gore in the film, but the level of psychological violence is high. You get put through the ringer in this movie, and Bertino offers no quarter or apologies.
Both Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman are effective in their roles. They play the couple you know through friends or family. Hell, you could be them. Playing the everyman isn't easy, but they do solid jobs. Of the two, Speedman is better (I defy anyone to sit through the first act and not want to give him a sympathy hug and a beer). Tyler seems a little lost in a slasher movie.
"The Strangers" is not a perfect movie. The cinematography, while effective, is often far too dark for even a horror movie. And James and Kristen aren't immune from brain cramps that plague horror movie characters. There are also some fairly obvious plot holes. I also think the ending doesn't work either. It's a cheap shot that comes across as desperate and unnecessary.
Ultimately what it all boils down to is whether or not Bertino is able to keep the tension high enough for these flaws to be overlooked. The answer is yes, so it gets a solid recommendation from me.
Starring: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman
The version being reviewed is unrated. For the record, the theatrical cut is rated R for Terror/Violence and Language
"Why are you doing this to us?"
"Because you were home."
What makes "The Strangers" work is that first-time writer/director Bryan Bertino takes his time. He does not rush things. He makes sure we get a sense of the two lead characters, then slowly ratches up the tension. And like any good horror director, he builds. And builds on top of that. And so on. Soon, the tension becomes unbearable. That is the mark of a good filmmaker.
James Hoyt (Speedman) and Kristen McKay (Tyler) are on their way home from a wedding. Things are pretty tense, as she has just turned down his marriage proposal. While deciding what to do next, someone comes to their door and asks a bizarre question: "Is Tamara home?" They say no, and the girl goes away. James goes out for some air and to buy Kristen another pack of cigarettes. Kristen is home alone and facing knocks at the door with no answer and things going missing. Soon, the formerly-happy couple is in a fight for their lives against a trio of masked psychopaths.
Anyone who watches this movie will see that Bertino got his influence from John Carpenter's classic, "Halloween." I also found similarities with Michael Haneke's "Funny Games," but I don't know if that was intentional (certainly, this is the movie that Haneke was giving the finger to with "Funny Games"). But he is smart enough to pay homage without stealing from it. It's the feel of the film that brings the 1978 film to mind. The importance of foregrounds, the minimalist music and plot, and most importantly, the expressionless and mostly silent killers. But "The Strangers" is very much its own movie. Like in "Halloween," there isn't a tremendous amount of physical violence or gore in the film, but the level of psychological violence is high. You get put through the ringer in this movie, and Bertino offers no quarter or apologies.
Both Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman are effective in their roles. They play the couple you know through friends or family. Hell, you could be them. Playing the everyman isn't easy, but they do solid jobs. Of the two, Speedman is better (I defy anyone to sit through the first act and not want to give him a sympathy hug and a beer). Tyler seems a little lost in a slasher movie.
"The Strangers" is not a perfect movie. The cinematography, while effective, is often far too dark for even a horror movie. And James and Kristen aren't immune from brain cramps that plague horror movie characters. There are also some fairly obvious plot holes. I also think the ending doesn't work either. It's a cheap shot that comes across as desperate and unnecessary.
Ultimately what it all boils down to is whether or not Bertino is able to keep the tension high enough for these flaws to be overlooked. The answer is yes, so it gets a solid recommendation from me.
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