There’s something good about a horror movie that’s rated poorly – right!?
Here’s one from 2018 – The Strangers: Prey at Night, a sequel to the original Strangers movie that I loved.
This movie takes you back into the unnerving world of random home invasions with a fresh setting and new characters, proving that sometimes sequels can hold their own. Directed by Johannes Roberts, this follow-up to the 2008 cult classic “The Strangers” brings you into a desolate trailer park setting, where an unsuspecting family faces off against the same trio of masked assailants from the first film.
Ready to watch the trailer? Just scroll to the bottom of this post!
New Setting, Familiar Terror
Unlike its predecessor, which played out almost entirely within the confines of a home, “The Strangers: Prey at Night” expands its playground to a seemingly idyllic but mostly deserted trailer park. This change of scenery doesn’t diminish the terror; instead, it enhances it by isolating the characters in a place that feels both open and claustrophobic, where help is far and escape seems just out of reach.
The setting was the first thing that struck me when I watched the film. There was something deeply unsettling about the empty pool, the abandoned trailers, and the eerie stillness of a place that should have been bustling with life. It made every shadow and every noise more pronounced, heightening the suspense in a way that kept me glued to the screen.
A Family’s Fight for Survival
The film centers around a family – parents Cindy and Mike, and their teenage children, Luke and Kinsey – who are on a final family outing before Kinsey is sent to boarding school.
The familial tensions and dynamics add a layer of emotional depth to the story, making the characters’ plight feel more urgent and real. As the night progresses, their fight to survive brings them closer, and each character finds a reserve of courage they didn’t know they had.
Christina Hendricks and Martin Henderson bring strong performances as the bewildered parents, but it’s Bailee Madison’s portrayal of the rebellious Kinsey that stands out. Her transformation from a sullen teenager to a resilient survivor is compelling and gives the film much of its emotional impact.
RELATED: This 2015 Horror Movie is Rated 35% on Rotten Tomatoes But I Loved It.
Stylistic Flair and Soundtrack
Director Johannes Roberts infuses the film with a stylish 80s vibe, complete with a soundtrack that features pop hits from the era.
This stylistic choice not only sets the film apart from its predecessor but also adds an interesting contrast between the upbeat music and the horrifying events unfolding on screen. One particularly memorable scene features “Total Eclipse of the Heart” blaring in the background while a life-or-death chase ensues, creating a surreal and chilling atmosphere.
It’s Not Perfect
While “The Strangers: Prey at Night” offers a lot of thrills, it doesn’t quite match the original in terms of sheer psychological terror.
The sequel leans more into slasher film territory, with more action and less of the slow-burn tension that made the first film so terrifying. Some might find this shift a welcome change, while others might miss the original’s more subtle approach to horror.
Where to Watch The Strangers: Prey at Night
The Strangers: Prey at Night is currently streaming on Max.
Closing Thoughts
“The Strangers: Prey at Night” is a solid horror sequel that successfully transports the terror of the original film into a new setting with a fresh cast. It blends style, suspense, and a nostalgic soundtrack to deliver a movie that is both entertaining and unsettling. While it may diverge in tone from the first film, it stands on its own as a chilling exploration of random violence and the will to survive.
For fans of the genre looking for a horror film that combines classic slasher elements with effective jump scares and a strong emotional core, “The Strangers: Prey at Night” is definitely worth watching. It may not redefine the home-invasion horror genre, but it certainly adds a memorable chapter to the story.
Watch the trailer below.