How Safe Can You Be, Really?

Read Time:3 Minute, 58 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Strangers (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2008, 2024 Second Sight Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Bryan Bertino
Writer(s): Bryan Bertino
Cast: Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman
Where To Watch: available August 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Bryan Bertino crafts a sinister narrative from a backdrop of what should be a lovely weekend away in his directorial debut, THE STRANGERS. The film opens with James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) taking on what he believes will be the most enchanting proposal to his girlfriend, Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler), in a secluded vacation home decked out with rose petals and chilled champagne. Yet, Kristen's tepid response is the first crack in their perfect facade, hinting at the darkness that will soon consume their night.

The evening quickly spirals out of control when an unexpected visitor inquiring about a mysterious "Tamara" disrupts their retreat, setting the stage for a terrifying ordeal. A tense showdown follows as masked figures invade their sanctuary, turning what was meant to be a romantic getaway into a desperate fight for survival. The couple's ordeal is intensified by Kristen’s initial distractions, which cause her to miss early signs of the impending threat, ramping up the suspense and danger.

Amidst this chaos, the film examines the couple’s fraying bond under pressure. Speedman's James, a lover thwarted by circumstance, becomes a protector, his resolve hardening in stark contrast to Tyler’s portrayal of Kristen, whose initial shock evolves into fierce determination. Their dynamic forms the movie's emotional core, adding a rich layer of human drama to the horror unfolding around them.

Bertino’s approach is notably restrained. He confines the terror to the simplicity of one location and a small cast, amplifying the suspense without resorting to gratuitous gore. Instead, he weaves a tapestry of psychological tension reminiscent of the 70s' more cerebral horror offerings. The director's minimalist style accentuates the film's focus on the protagonists' experience, eschewing a deep dive into the antagonists' backstory. The phrase “Because you were home” resonates throughout, a chilling reminder of the randomness and cruelty of their attackers.

The plot thickens with strategically placed flashbacks that deepen the narrative, contrasting the couple's happier moments against their nightmarish reality. These memories, intercut with scenes of escalating terror, enrich the film's emotional depth and amplify the stakes. The unsettling score, a blend of classical and electronic music, perfectly complements the haunting atmosphere, enveloping the viewer in the film's eerie mood.

THE STRANGERS reinvigorates the home invasion genre by rooting its terror in the ordinary, making the horror uniquely relatable and all the more effective. While the film doesn’t pioneer new ground, it refreshes familiar tropes, emphasizing atmosphere and character-driven drama, offering a novel perspective on well-trodden fears.

As the film concludes, Bertino leaves the audience reflecting on the fragility of everyday security—a theme that echoes loudly against the backdrop of contemporary societal fears. This film ensures that the echo of a simple knock will forever resonate with an ominous tone.

Special Features
Includes Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut
Because You Were Home: A New Interview with Director Bryan Bertino
Cutting Moments: a new interview with Editor Kevin Greutert
The Fighter: A New Interview with Actor Liv Tyler
The Pin-Up Girl: A New Interview with Actor Laura Margolis
The Element of Terror: interviews with cast and crew
Strangers at the Door: interviews with Director Bryan Bertino and cast
Deleted Scenes

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT]

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