Convention - Cinemacon 2024 : The Strangers: Chapter 1 be ready for one of the best psychological horror movie of this year

By Mulder, 10 april 2024

Directed by Renny Harlin and written by screenwriters Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland, The Strangers: Chapter 1 draws from a story by Bryan Bertino, the creative genius behind the original series. This latest installment introduces audiences to a new nightmare as Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez portray a couple embarking on a road trip, only to encounter a trio of psychopathic masked strangers, promising a harrowing experience that harks back to the series' roots.

Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 17, 2024 in United States, The Strangers: Chapter 1 not only serves as the third entry in the series but also spearheads a new trilogy of standalone sequels. This ambitious project aims to weave a fresh narrative while maintaining continuity with the first two films, offering both long-time fans and newcomers an exhilarating dive into the world of The Strangers.

The film's plot follows Maya and her longtime boyfriend, Ryan, as they traverse the country towards a new beginning in the Pacific Northwest. Their journey takes a terrifying turn in Venus, Oregon, when their car breaks down, forcing them to spend the night in a secluded Airbnb. What was meant to be a peaceful stopover quickly descends into a night of terror as they are besieged by three murderous masked strangers.

Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Producer Roy Lee revealed in August 2022 that Lionsgate Films had green-lit three sequels to be produced consecutively, with Harlin at the helm. The trilogy, a collaborative effort between Lionsgate Films, Fifth Element Productions, and Frame Film, seeks to reintroduce the chilling world of The Strangers to a new audience, expanding its lore and exploring deeper character studies compared to its predecessors.

The casting of Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, and Gabriel Basso, along with the additions of Ema Horvath and Rachel Shenton, promises a dynamic ensemble poised to bring this chilling narrative to life. Principal photography for the trilogy took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from September to November 2022, presenting a formidable challenge as the production team navigated the complexities of filming three movies simultaneously.

Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Renny Harlin shared with Entertainment Weekly the rigorous demands of shooting the trilogy, highlighting the intricate continuity efforts and the ambitious goal of crafting a visually evolving narrative across the films. This methodical approach underscores the team's commitment to delivering a cohesive and immersive experience that elevates the franchise to new heights.

As the release date approaches, the anticipation among fans and newcomers alike is palpable. The Strangers: Chapter 1 promises not only to revisit the terror that made the original films a staple of the horror genre but also to expand its universe with new insights into the psyches of both the victims and their tormentors. With its rich storyline, talented cast, and visionary direction, the film is poised to reignite the franchise's legacy and secure its place in the annals of horror cinema.

Dont miss our press cover of the NYCC 2023 The Strangers: Chapter 1 that you can found here

Synopsis :
On their way to start a new life in the Pacific Northwest, a couple's car breaks down in Oregon, and they are forced to spend the night in an isolated Airbnb where they are sequestered from dusk to dawn by three masked strangers.

The Strangers: Chapter 1
Directed by Renny Harlin
Written by Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland
Story by Bryan Bertino
Based on The Strangers by Bryan Bertino
Produced by Alastair Birlingham, Mark Canton, Charlie Dombeck, Christopher Milburn
Starring Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, Gabriel Basso
Cinematography : José David Montero
Music by Justin Burnett
Production companies : Lionsgate Films, Fifth Element Productions, Frame Film
Distributed by Lionsgate Films (United States), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release date : May 15, 2024 (France), May 17, 2024 (United States)