Michelle SweeneyReview - The Strangers
January 1st 2009 03:45
The film announces that this movie is inspired by true events and images of Helter Skelter came flooding to me in the initial scenes of the movie as well as reminders of Wes Craven's The Last House On The Left and Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs.
We are introduced to Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) as they return from a friend's wedding, unfortunately not under the best of the circumstances. As the story unfolds we realise that James had proposed to Kristen and created a romantic environment for them to return to after their friend's wedding and his proposal. All did not go according to James' plan and Kristen refused the proposal claiming "she was not ready" creating an already tense situation under which the characters are operating.
A knock at the door at 4am introduces a third character into the equation searching for someone named Tamara. The movie relies on a quiet build up of tension and Kristen finds herself alone when James heads out into the night to pick up some cigarettes. Another knock on the door reveals that the strange girl is still outside and it is not long before Kristen realises that things are going to turn ugly.
The enjoyment of the film for me was in it's simplicity harking back to the horror films of the 70's. There were no surprises or tricks up the director's sleeves in terms of characterisation or situations. We knew ultimately what was going to happen and our task as viewer was just to sit back and watch.
Kristen asks the girl in the Dollface mask "why are you doing this to us" and the response "because you were home" just highlighted for me the many motiveless crimes that occur every day.
Bryan Bertino the writer and first time director managed to create a film worthy of the horror genre. His fine cinematography and score created tension and while there were some slow and pointless moments in the movie, overall I enjoyed the experience.
Voyage Review: 3/5
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Comment by Linh
Celluloid Fun
Last film I saw featuring Liv Tyler was in 'The Incredible Hulk' and her character didn't really do much. Her character sounds much more interesting in this film.
Great review!
Cheers!
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