Review of The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018) by Grantd243 — 24 Apr 2018

The original The Strangers, which came out in 2008, wasn't particularly loved by critics (it got a 45% on Rotten Tomatoes), but I was quite a fan of it. It was enjoyable and I dug the somewhat realistic take on the slasher genre.

So when The Strangers: Prey at Night was announced, I was fairly hopeful that we'd get a solid sequel. Unfortunately, we did not. The Strangers: Prey at Night is directed by Johannes Roberts and stars Christina Hendricks, Bailee Madison, and Lewis Pullman.

It follows the same trio of killers from the first movie as they prey on a new group of unsuspecting folks, and the setting is probably the movie's best aspect. The concept of setting this story in a trailer park is pretty compelling and interesting, and it held my attention throughout the film.

Alas, this movie is dragged down to a fairly low level by a mediocre script and all of the characters being unbelievably stupid. I mean really, really stupid. I understand that this is a slasher film, and the characters in slasher films aren't typically the smartest peeps on the block.

...but still, the characters in this movie make decisions that legitimately don't make any sense. I also have some issues with the story itself, but my issues are mostly towards the end so I'll shy away from them so I don't spoil anything.

Just know that I'm not a fan of the direction that they go with the trio of killers late in the movie. There's still some enjoyment to be had with this movie. As I said, the setting is interesting, and I still do find how nonchalant the trio of killers are to be compelling, but ultimately, in my opinion, it falls short of the first film in almost every way.