Review of The Strangers (2008) by Julian T — 29 Dec 2011

Such a welcome departure from the trend of current horror movies like 'Saw' and 'Hostel'. This movie has style, and sustenance, both of which are sorely lacking in so many of the modern horror installments which rely on nothing more than torture and gore in a cheap attempt to be scary. Unfortunately, American audiences don't do subtlety or tact anymore, so this film largely went to waste. A nearly verbatim copy of a great Swedish (I think?) horror-thriller, 'Them'.

This movie is scary because things like this happen alot more commonly than most people think, and it could happen to absolutely anyone on any given night. There is no soundtrack, and no score. There is nothing here to remind you that you are watching a movie. The acting is genuine, and Tyler and Speedman have some chemistry which makes their roles believable. Just have to throw it out there that Liv Tyler is one of the hottest women on the face of the planet.

The villains are serious and menacing, but not overdone. The films pacing is deliberate and builds to a climax that isn't what you saw coming. Only complaints are that its a little slow getting started, and the characters make boneheaded decisions which makes it hard to believe they actually want to survive.