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Terrifying 'Strangers'

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, May 30, 2008

Bryan Bertino’s feature film debut ‘The Strangers’ is a well crafted psychological thriller. The story – touted as ‘based on real events’ – is strong enough to give the audience chills for the summer season. The film is definitely a surprise in the horror genre, especially when most of these films are filled with blood, gore and the gratuitous nudity. There’s no doubt Bertino is one of the few storytellers that will have a solid Hollywood career.

In a nutshell, ‘The Strangers’ is the story of a violent crime; an unexplained event inflicted on two people. Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) are staying at a secluded family vacation home. After attending a wedding reception they returned to the house to confront their relationship woes. And although everything seems to be a normal weekend getaway it soon becomes a place of dread for the young couple. From then on, ‘The Strangers’ explore the most common universal fears in everyone and asks; what would you do if confronted in such terrifying circumstances?

On and all, Bertino is successful at crafting a story where the main characters – the young couple – are fully developed. The audience cares about Kristen and James’ relationship to the point where one tends to root for their salvation. The world around them is definitely a terrifying element – the seclusion and the emptiness surrounding them adds to the suspense. But even more surprising is the fact that the perpetrators – the so-called strangers that are never revealed – come across as the most terrifying killers I have ever seen on screen. Keep in mind they’re masked – and last time I checked Jason was the only character to send chills down my spine.

And although all of the above elements come together for a great thriller, ‘The Strangers’ asks the audience to ultimately believe the setting of the story. Bertino definitely takes a risk here; because who could honestly say that opening the door at 4:00 am to a total stranger is something that anyone would do? That would definitely not be the case in NYC or any other metropolitan city. And that’s where most people in the audience would scoff at the film. This is where films like ‘Funny Games’ work where the intricacies of the story leave the audience with a looming question mark above their heads. But that’s not the case in ‘The Strangers’ – and of course the film is not to be considered as such. It’s nothing more than a great thriller to be enjoyed over a quiet night at the local theater.