The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a fragmented non-story. Its feeble gestures at themes and drama neither solidify nor pay off. The plot is drawn out and incomplete, a slim premise (without an ending) being passed off as a feature-length narrative. More thought was put into how to force a new franchise opportunity than into constructing a remotely competent script. There's blunt exposition, clunky dialogue, contrivances, predictability, cliches, and numbing repetition. The acting offers vulnerability, but that can't overcome their amorphous character personalities and the horribly disengaging material. Consequently, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a shameless and insulting scam.
Technically, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is unenthused. Its direction supplies lame jump scares, weak tones, no suspense, and slight violence. The cinematography offsets adequate focus and angles with drab colors and dark lighting. Its editing has no momentum or structure, consisting primarily of monotonous fluff. Despite emphasis and action, the sound becomes annoying through overused stings. Its music pairs juxtaposing songs with generic scoring. The production design is a bland cabin in the woods. Its cast is entirely replaceable. The effects are surprisingly minimal: some brief stunts, pyrotechnics, and blood. Ultimately, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a waste of time.
Writing: 1/10
Direction: 2/10
Cinematography: 5/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 2/10
Sound: 5/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Production Design: 4/10
Casting: 3/10
Effects: 5/10
Overall Score: 3.8/10
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