The Strangers (2008) 8/10

After getting pretty good reviews from horror sites but bad reviews from "normal" critics, I decided to give The Strangers a try. I'm glad I did.

The Strangers is about a young couple who comes home from a wedding reception only to be terrorized by a masked trio.

First off, I've always disliked Liv Tyler in films. In fact, my dislike for her is so strong I almost skipped this one just because she was in it. That being said she actually did a really good job. So did all the actors in fact. The interaction between the couple is well written and well played. Their reactions and conversations to me rang very true to life which helped bring me right into the film, leaving me wide open for some really well placed and well played scares. I don't usually get scared, in fact I can count on one hand how many films have actually freaked me out, and stranger just gave me another finger. The film is pure horror. There are no other elements at work here. The film plays on everyone's fear of our home no longer being safe. This is especially true today with the fear of terrorism floating around our heads. The plot is simple and to the point with tons of tension and action. Considering the film has so few actors, we know from the beginning this won't be a bodycount film. Instead the director gives us just enough time to allow us to get to know the characters and become empathetic. It works very well here. The film is nothing but brutal shocks left and right. This is especially hard to do as the film isn't gory either. The actors and the action is believable so it works. As far as this being a ripoff of Them (ils) one could come to that conclusion, but I sincerely doubt it. The real question is, which one's better? The Strangers.

The Strangers is a well played and well acted film filled with great scares and tension. Check it out in theatres while you still can!

Gore- mild

Nudity- none

Overall - 8/10