By George & Josh Bate
fWhen a trilogy of consecutively shot Strangers films was announced, questions arose about what kind of story could justify the production of a new Strangers movie and immediate commissioning of its two sequels. Unfortunately, The Strangers: Chapter 1 was a resounding disappointment for most, unfolding much like a remake of the original film deprived of all its tension. Despite Chapter 1’s stumbles, however, The Strangers: Chapter 2 appeared promising. The sequel received reshoots that seemingly addressed problems that carried over from Chapter 1. The trailer for the movie was cut together well and teased a more chilling, subversive addition to the franchise. Star Madelaine Petsch and company have even framed Chapter 1 as a necessary beginning to a story that really kicks into gear in Chapter 2. All of this is to say hopes were cautiously optimistic for The Strangers: Chapter 2, but, after the film’s premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest, it is clear that this sequel is another misfire.
The Strangers: Chapter 2 picks up just after the events of Chapter 1. Maya, once again played by Madeline Petsch, recovers in hospital from injuries sustained by a group of masked psychopaths who also killed her husband. As she waits to be extracted from the small town of Venus, Oregon, Maya discovers that her run-in with the titular Strangers is far from over as the killers with no discernible motives return to finish what they started and finally kill her.
Imagine a climactic chase sequence from a slasher film, such as Halloween II. Laurie Strode finally recognizes that Michael Myers is in the hospital and after her, following which an extended chase throughout and around the hospital ensues. The Strangers: Chapter 2 takes such a chase sequence commonplace in slashers like Halloween II and extends it across its entire runtime to create a 98 minute unrelenting fight for survival. Unlike the previous film, director Renny Harlin’s sequel features very little dialogue, which makes sense given that Petsch’s Maya is on the run or hiding for nearly every moment of the film. The myriad of chases, whether it be through a hospital or through a forest, are entertaining enough, shot well by Harlan, and are certainly more intense and nail-biting than anything Chapter 1 had to offer. Unfortunately, in opting for such an action-oriented narrative, Chapter 2 lacks any semblance of narrative substance nor does it drive the plot or characters forward in any meaningful way.
A more egregious misstep lies in Chapter 2’s exploration of the origins of the Strangers. It’s always a risky game explaining who are initially and purposefully obscured and mysterious horror movie villains. Look no further than Halloween II, which provided Michael Myers a motive and backstory upon revealing that he was Laurie Strode’s sister. The Strangers: Chapter 2 takes a similar gamble, but, unlike Halloween II (which, for our money, works quite well to expand Michael Myers and gave way to some sequels we enjoy), botches the origin story entirely. Brief flashbacks sprinkled throughout and a concluding scene tying these flashbacks together attempt to explain who the Strangers are and why they do what they do, but ultimately the explanation comes across as dull as it is unoriginal. Nothing about the reveals stand out and make the Strangers more interesting antagonists. Instead, the ill-advised origin story deprives the masked killers of their mysteriousness and reduces them to standard horror movie fare.
Also sprinkled throughout the film are perplexing glimpses of the citizens of Venus, Oregon that go nowhere. There are scenes set in diners, gas stations, and more throughout that depict locals discussing the events of Chapter 1 that are clearly designed to provoke suspicion. Every one of these locals acts and speaks unusually, which fosters a certain whodunnit vibe as the audience is asked to try and wrap their heads around the true identities of the Strangers. Without getting into spoilers, all of the scenes focusing on the locals ultimately feel more silly than spooky and, given the aforementioned nature of the ultimate reveals surrounding the Strangers, their inclusion in the film feels out-of-place and misleading.
Amidst an array of offputting and unnatural performances from nearly every actor, Madelaine Petsch shines with a committed, physical performance. Petsch clearly dedicates herself to the role as she sprints, punches, stabs, and is thrown around in almost every scene. The script necessitates that Petsch remains in a panicked, hyper-alert state for the entire runtime with no respite, a task that the Riverdale alum tackles exceedingly well. Petsch’s performance contributes significantly to the tension in Chapter 2 as Maya’s mental and physical anguish translate into a high-stakes situation for her character. Unlike the previous outing, Petsch has very few lines here and is isolated for much of the movie. In turn, the film does not afford Petsch opportunities to flex her acting muscles beyond being scared.
As Chapter 2 wraps up, a sense of deflation sets in. Chapter 1 was regarded as a misstep by most, but there appeared to be promising elements of Chapter 2 that indicated a trilogy of Strangers movies would be worth it in the end. Disappointingly, if investment in this trilogy was low heading into Chapter 2, it will be completely decimated after Chapter 2 concludes. The most interesting question pondered by the film is just how anyone thought this story would be worthy of a trilogy audiences get behind.
VERDICT: 4/10
After a disappointing first chapter, The Strangers: Chapter 2 similarly misses the mark with another poor installment in Lionsgate’s horror movie franchise. Unfolding almost entirely as an unrelenting chase sequence for its 98 minute runtime, director Renny Harlin’s sequel lacks any semblance of narrative substance nor does it drive the plot or characters forward in any meaningful way, despite the chases being just enough intense to entertain. A more egregious misstep lies in Chapter 2’s exploration of the Stranger’s origins, an ill-advised narrative risk that deprives the titular villains of their mysteriousness with a dull and unoriginal backstory. Glimpses of the townsfolk throughout the movie, designed to pose questions to the audience regarding the identities of the Strangers, ultimately go nowhere and fail with almost comically unnatural performances from the actors. Despite problems with its story, star Madelaine Petsch shines with a committed, physical performance that demands the actress remain in a panicked, hyper-alert state for the entire runtime. With two misguided chapters of the Strangers trilogy in the bag, it becomes increasingly puzzling what the filmmakers are attempting with these new films and just why such a story justifies three movies. If investment in this trilogy was low heading into Chapter 2, it is completely decimated by the time the credits roll.