The first reactions to The Strangers reboot starring Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch have arrived.
The new movie, which also stars Cruel Summer's Froy Gutierrez, is a remake of the 2008 movie of the same name, and focuses on a young couple who stay in a secluded Airbnb when their car breaks down, before horror strikes.
Following its world premiere, The Strangers: Chapter 1 has received largely mixed reviews from critics on social media, with reactions ranging from "terrifying" to "missing the mark".
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"The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a suspenseful & intense thriller that will have viewers on the edge of their seat & begging for more," Mama's Geeky's Tessa Smith wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "The cliffhanger ending is brutal & might leave some feeling unsatisfied. Stay for the mid-credit scene for a taste of what's next!"
"The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a stellar addition to the legacy!" added That Hashtag Show. "It brilliantly pays homage to the original while carving its own path. Finally, a spine-chilling horror film worth the wait this year!"
In a more mixed verdict, Raven Brunner called the movie "a downright terrifying gorefest", adding: "While it sadly lacks the indie charm of the original, that’ll be the least of your worries once the bloodshed starts. Meh characters but interesting direction and plenty of mindless violence. Great time! We’re so back, baby!"
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However, Nightmarish Conjurings' Shannon McGrew was less enthusiastic, suggesting The Strangers "completely misses the mark".
"It lacks the dread, suspense, and realism that made the first film so terrifying in favor of cheap jump scares and pretty people," they added. "This is def a film that’s more veered to the CW crowd."
Dread Central's Mary Beth McAndrews was also unimpressed, writing: "Sadly, The Strangers - Chapter 1 is a no for me. It relies too heavily on the past and well-worn tropes to construct a shallow story that barely touches the terror of the original. There are some cool scares and set pieces, but ultimately it leaves me simply asking why?"
The Strangers: Chapter 1 will act as the first part of a trilogy which has already been filmed, with Renny Harlin directing all three movies from a script by Alan R Cohen and Alan Freedland.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is released in cinemas on May 17.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
