The Strangers – DVD Review

By Jeff Swindoll Oct 20, 2008, 10:59 GMT

Inspired by true events, this heart pounding, nail-biting frightener mercilessly explores our most universal fears, where simply opening the door to a stranger leads to a grueling night of terror one could never imagine. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman star in this relentless suspense thriller that will keep you up at night and make you never want to answer the door again! ...more

We all have a fear of violation and an even greater one of things happening to us for no apparent reason.  The Strangers is a film that might be hard to watch as it thrillingly combines those aspects and chills the blood.  

Kristin (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) have returned to James’ isolated county home.  James has attempted to propose to Kristin and she’s said no.  The house they return to has been decked out for romance and this leads to some awkward moments. 

When those awkward moments have passed, the two try and get busy (who needs a wedding ring for that anymore?) but their coupling is interrupted by a knock on the door. 

A young blond girl (Gemma Ward) is standing there as asks if Tamara is home.  The two don’t know a Tamara and send her away.  Her farewell of “see you later” is more telling than the two realize. 

Kristin can’t go to sleep without a cigarette and she’s out so James goes into town to get her some more.  While he’s away strange things start happening.  When James returns the blond has returned wearing a baby doll mask and is jointed by two other masked figures (Kip Weeks and Laura Margolis) and they begin to play cat and mouse games with the frightened couples.  

If you’re in the home security business you might do well to put a copy of The Strangers in every mailbox, wait a few days, and return with your business card.  Everyone has a fear of being assaulted or the sanctity of their home being violated. 

Director Bryan Bertino plays upon those fears and produces a chilling realization of them - made even more chilling by the reason stated by the invaders.  It’s simplistic and senseless but will make your blood run cold. 

What’s more horrific about this film is that it’s more easy to imagine something like the situations in this film happening more than the stylized horrors of something like Saw or Hostel. 

The beginning crawl says the film was based on true events and may take some license from the horrific events involving the Manson family.  The home invaders are hideously silent and their curt reply to the question of “why are you doing this” only fills the poor captives with even more horror.

I did have to scratch my head a bit when the director talked about the film entertaining the audience.  I can’t imagine that happening, more than likely they’ll be running home and making sure to install more locks on their doors.  It’s described as a terror film and I couldn’t agree more.  

The Strangers is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions.  Special features include 5 minutes of deleted scenes and the 9-minute “Elements of Terror” which shortly details the various elements of the film and how they came together.  

The Strangers is a well-made film that will send shivers up and down your spine.  Its reliance on events that could potentially occur is even more harrowing.  If you watch this one you’ll have second thoughts about answering your door after dark.

The Strangers is now available at Amazon. It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a Dec. 21th release. Visit the DVD database for more information.