Review of ‘The Strangers Chapter 1’: Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez Shine in a Familiar Tale

In a small town named Venus, nestled in the remote heart of Oregon with a population of around 460, peculiarities abound. Children distribute Church pamphlets, locals eye newcomers suspiciously, disapproval lingers for an unmarried couple, and vegetarians face open disdain. Maya (played by Petsch) and Ryan (portrayed by Gutierrez) embark on a cross-country journey to celebrate their fifth anniversary, only to encounter a series of unexpected events in the eerie town. Their stay at a secluded yet well-maintained place takes a dark turn when masked individuals appear at their doorstep in Strangers: Chapter 1. While the theme of enduring torture may seem familiar, Strangers: Chapter 1 treads well-worn ground as part of a trilogy that revisits a previously moderately successful franchise, albeit with a few tweaks to the storyline.

While there are a few positive aspects, such as the delightful music taste of the homeowner, appreciated even by the masked killers, Maya and Ryan’s realistic reactions to danger, Petsch’s emotionally captivating performance, and the methodical progression of the plot, there are still lingering uncertainties.

The question remains: will viewers engage with this somewhat predictable narrative, given the lack of resolution, ambiguous motives of the killers, and detached feelings towards the characters?

The initial mention of America’s crime statistics, boasting about its brutality, comes across as overly self-assured.

Director: Renny Harlin
Cast: Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez
Rating: 2 stars