The Strangers: Prey at Night – is better and deserves more praise
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The success of Bryan Bertino's directorial debut, "The Strangers," led to a sequel announcement way back in 2008. However, years of development hell, with scripts being altered and the project changing hands, meant that "The Strangers: Prey at Night" wouldn't see the light of day until 2018. This sequel follows another horrific attack by the masked psychopaths, but this time with a distinctly 80s slasher vibe rather than the 70s suspense style of the original. This shift in tone has divided fans, with many struggling to appreciate the change. Despite its rocky reception, I believe "Prey at Night" deserves a second look and a lot more praise.
I know this movie came out six years ago, but rather than dwell on that and risk a mid-recording panic attack, let's focus on the only sequel to "The Strangers" until Renie Harlin's new trilogy kicks off. "The Strangers: Prey at Night," written by Bryan Bertino and Ben Ketai and directed by Johannes Roberts, continues the sadistic games of the masked maniacs as they stalk and attack a family during a tumultuous trip to drop their daughter off at boarding school.
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"Prey at Night" is a stark departure from its predecessor, ramping up the body count and embracing an 80s horror aesthetic while retaining some of what made the first film work so well. It's a clear homage to John Carpenter, with its atmospheric score echoing the chilling tones of "The Fog." Critics often dismiss "Prey at Night" as a dumbed-down version of the original, but I think that's missing the point. This film isn't trying to replicate "The Strangers"; it's transposing its essence into a different horror era, and it does so with style and confidence.
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The sequel kicks off with an immediate and intense start—two deaths occur right at the beginning, setting a more in-your-face tone compared to the slow burn of the original. While "The Strangers" took its time to reveal the threat, "Prey at Night" dives straight into the horror. This makes sense since the killers were already established in the first film, allowing the sequel to skip the buildup and get straight to the terror.
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One element that "Prey at Night" retains from the original is the focus on the family. The opening scene introduces the aunt and uncle of Cindy, who, along with her family, visit the trailer park owned by the couple before sending their daughter Kinsey to boarding school. The film takes time to establish the family's dynamics, portraying them as real, sympathetic characters. Their chemistry, particularly between Kinsey (Bailee Madison), her brother Luke (Lewis Pullman), and their parents (Christina Hendricks and Martin Henderson), feels genuine and engaging.
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However, being a Bryan Bertino story, emotional investment is soon met with gut-wrenching tragedy. The film doesn't shy away from showing the brutal reality of the killers' sadistic games. This is evident in a standout scene where Cindy and Kinsey are trapped in a trailer, culminating in a disturbing and emotionally charged confrontation with Dollface.
"Prey at Night" ramps up the horror with its setting—a trailer park at night provides a sprawling, creepy backdrop that contrasts with the confined home of the first film. The wide-open spaces and lack of light create a sense of vulnerability and dread, and the film utilizes these elements to craft visually unsettling and memorable scenes.
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While the film is effective in many areas, it does falter in its climax. The suspension of disbelief is stretched as Kinsey manages to trap and blow up the Man in the Mask's truck, only for him to inexplicably survive and continue the chase. This over-the-top moment feels out of place and detracts from the grounded horror established earlier. Despite this, the film delivers a cathartic conclusion with Kinsey and Luke fighting back, offering a sense of resolution that the first film lacked.
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In the end, "The Strangers: Prey at Night" is a sequel that understands what made the original work and reimagines it through a different lens. Its homage to 80s slasher films, combined with strong performances and well-paced storytelling, make it a worthy successor. While it may not be to everyone's taste, I find it a more satisfying and engaging film than its predecessor. If you approach it with an open mind, you might discover a horror gem that's been unfairly overlooked.
