Exploring the Commonalities and Contrasts of 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' and its Predecessor

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in THE STRANGERS. John Armour for Lionsgate

Fans of The Strangers may feel a sense of familiarity when watching the new trilogy. However, this does not mean that the upcoming movie is exactly the same as the original.

The 2008 horror film, The Strangers, featured Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman as a couple who are terrorized by three masked intruders in their isolated home. The movie's storyline was inspired by the real-life Tate murders committed by the Manson family in 1969, as well as a series of burglaries that Bryan Bertino, the director and writer, experienced in his childhood home.

A sequel starring Bailee Madison, Lewis Pullman, Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, and Damian Maffei was released in 2018. The new trilogy consists of standalone films, with The Strangers: Chapter 1 following a similar premise to the original film before expanding in the next two installments.

Director Renny Harlin's take on the franchise is expected to be in the same continuity as The Strangers (2008) and The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018), while also serving as a prequel to the original film.

Harlin had mentioned that he wanted to address all the lingering questions in his version of the trilogy. He explained to Entertainment Weekly in October 2023 that in the original movie, there was a scene where Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman were shown fighting, but the reason for their argument was never revealed. Harlin emphasized the importance of providing answers to such unanswered questions. He shared that a significant amount of time was dedicated to ensuring that original fans would feel satisfied with the answers provided, incorporating elements of homage to cater to their excitement and sense of nostalgia. Harlin aimed to maintain the essence of the beloved original while adding a modern touch, making the storyline more extensive and addressing unresolved queries.

Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of the similarities — and differences — in The Strangers: Chapter 1 compared to The Strangers:

Similarity: Boys With Pamphlets

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

Cover Images

In the original movie, two young boys who were handing out Mormon religious pamphlets came across Kristen (played by Tyler) and James (played by Speedman) the morning after they were attacked. These boys also had a brief encounter with Dollface, Man in the Mask, and Pin-Up Girl as they drove away from the house. When they found Kristen, who seemed to have survived the attack, and James, one of the boys called the police.

The 2024 version of the movie focused on Maya (played by Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (played by Froy Gutierrez) and also included the two boys, but in a smaller role. When Maya and Ryan's car broke down in a small town, they had to leave it at a repair shop, where they were given religious pamphlets. Later, Ryan went back to the town to get dinner and once again received a pamphlet from someone at a food truck.

Difference: The Dynamic Between the Leading Couple

Why The Strangers Villains Would Leave Their Masks On Between Takes

Lionsgate

In The Strangers: Chapter 1, we follow Maya and Ryan as they embark on a cross-country journey, dreaming of their future together. As their adventure unfolds, Maya expresses her readiness to take the next step with Ryan by discussing the idea of marriage. Their bond deepens as they face challenges and fight to survive together throughout the movie.

Is Tamara Home?

In the meantime, in the 2008 version, viewers were introduced to Kristen and James on their way back from a wedding. It was evident from the context that James intended to propose, but Kristen refused. Their relationship faced a dilemma when they arrived home, only to be attacked by masked strangers.

The Home Where It All Happens

There's a certain eerie feeling that comes with the famous line from The Strangers, ‘Is Tamara home?’ This simple question helped the intruders determine if there was anyone in the house before they carried out their attacks. This scenario was consistent in both versions.

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

Madelaine Petsch as Maya in The Strangers. John Armour

Similarity: Maya and Ryan's Isolation Experience

Maya and Ryan found themselves in a cabin in the woods after their car broke down and was taken for repairs by locals. The cabin, usually used as an AirBnB, was owned by a resident who was absent at the time.

In the 2008 version, James went out to buy cigarettes for Kristen. While he was away, a spooky girl returned to ask about Tamara, making Kristen realize she wasn't alone in the house. Things took a terrifying turn when James returned.

The same scenario played out in The Strangers: Chapter 1, where Ryan left to get his inhaler and some food. Maya started feeling uneasy, but Ryan reassured her upon his return. However, things quickly took a dark and unexpected turn.

Enhancing the Story: Difference

In Chapter 1 of The Strangers, viewers were able to delve deeper into the world of Ryan and Maya before the attacks began. Their relationship played a significant role in driving the story forward, providing more context compared to the minimal backstory given for Kristen and James in The Strangers.

Similarity: Accidentally Killing the Wrong Person

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

Froy Gutierrez stars as Ryan in The Strangers – Chapter 1. John Armour.

In horror movies, it's almost expected for the main characters to make decisions that put their lives at risk. In The Strangers, James made a fatal mistake by assuming his friend would pick him up the next day after a failed proposal. This led to a tragic situation where he unknowingly shot at the masked intruders, not realizing he could be harming someone he knew.

More Communication

In Chapter 1 of The Strangers, Maya reached out to a repairman for help just in time as they were under attack. Unfortunately, Ryan mistakenly believed the repairman was one of the intruders and tragically shot and killed him. This highlights the importance of better communication in tense situations.

Why The Strangers Villains Would Leave Their Masks On Between Takes

Lionsgate

Separating Them Before Their Reunion

The Strangers gave us a chance to delve deeper into the minds of the murderers behind the gruesome crimes. The increased communication between characters added to the suspense, while still maintaining an element of mystery. In Chapter 1 of The Strangers, there was a slight withholding of interactions as the attacks unfolded.

The Morning Attack

In both versions, the couples ended up separated while trying to find ways to escape. The Strangers: Chapter 1 introduced an interesting story line with Ryan — who has asthma. While being chased into the woods, Ryan made himself a makeshift inhaler from a water bottle. The scary part was him trying to use it without being overheard.

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

Liv Tyler in THE STRANGERS (2008) Cover Images

Similarity: A Survivor Emerges

In both The Strangers and The Strangers: Chapter 1, there is a similarity in which one of the victims manages to survive the brutal attacks. Kristen and James were knocked unconscious and later killed by their kidnappers in the morning, while Maya was attacked at night alongside Ryan. Despite the violence, Maya was later seen in the hospital, revealing that she had survived the ordeal.

After the attacks in The Strangers, Kristen seemed to have survived when the boys woke up and checked their bodies. The attackers had already left. In The Strangers: Chapter 1, the assailants were interrupted by the police arriving at the house. Maya and Ryan were left for dead, but the last scene revealed Maya waking up in the hospital.

The Unmasking

Breaking Down the Similarities and Differences Between The Strangers Chapter 1 and OG Film

THE STRANGERS (2008) Cover Images

In the 2008 film, the murderers took off their masks before attacking Kristen and James, but their faces were not revealed. This added to the suspense of the movie, which often posed questions without providing clear answers.

The first chapter of The Strangers did not give any clues about the identities of the masked killers. This may be because there are two more films in the works that will delve into the backstory of the strangers and finally reveal who they are.

Editor's P/S:

The Strangers: Chapter 1 offers a refreshing take on the classic horror franchise while staying true to its roots. The film effectively captures the eerie atmosphere and terrifying encounters that made the original so memorable. However, it also expands upon the story by delving deeper into the characters and their relationships, adding an emotional depth that was lacking in the first film.

Director Renny Harlin has a clear understanding of what made The Strangers so impactful, and he skillfully incorporates elements of the original while also introducing new twists and turns. The result is a movie that feels both familiar and fresh, offering a thrilling and suspenseful experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.