Review of The Strangers (2008) by Filipeneto — 27 Jun 2018

This movie tells the story of a couple who are alone in a very quiet and isolated house when three individuals with malicious intentions begin to harass them. What might just be an annoyment, however, quickly becomes a life-and-death situation as the three strangers prove themselves willing to all atrocities.

Well... this film is allegedly inspired (lightly) in a real crime case but the idea is not entirely original, so the film is no more than a remastering of existing material mixed with tons of horror clichés, then ruminated in other films such as "The Last House on The Left" or "You're Next".

So, we already know the story and we even know how it will probably end. Worse: the film basically consists of pure harassment, there is no story. Its a couple running in a house, fearing for their life, period.

This would work on a short film but not on a one-and-a-half hour movie. It simply tires us through too much tension and suspense with nothing to which it can support itself. Bryan Bertino signs the film, being his first work as director.

Of course, a newbie, a freshman wanting to show himself and show talent that he does not have yet. The film makes abundant use of sound effects to suspense, but some of them are so cliché that they end up making the film even more predictable.

Liv Tyler is the only actress I've ever seen in other works ("Armageddon", "Lord of the Rings"), and although I see her talent, I do not think this movie would be the right fit for her to shine.

It was a mistake for her to accept the role because she never adapted herself to the character or the film. The rest of the cast virtually does not stand out. Despite all this, its a film that can be watchable one time or another, when we have forgotten enough of it.