A rather simple story that really doesn't hold any twists or turns. I was really expecting more from The Strangers: Prey at Night. All the little boxes on the list of horror movie tropes were neatly and quickly checked off in this speed bullet of a film. However, that's not to say their wasn't some some tense twists and turns here and there.
In The Strangers: Prey at Night, Mike and his wife Cindy take their son and daughter on a road trip that becomes their worst nightmare. The family members soon find themselves in a desperate fight for survival when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park that's mysteriously deserted -- until three masked psychopaths show up to satisfy their thirst for blood.
The look of The Strangers: Prey at Night definitely captures the sense of dread the director is trying to put the audience in. Every scene is framed well and given thought to who or what is onscreen. Look for a great scene in a pool as an example of interesting camerawork.
Walking into The Strangers: Prey at Night, viewers should know what to expect. We're thrown into a dark world of violence, panic, and terror. Throughout it, you'll possibly be reflecting on the importance of family.
Director Johannes Roberts and Composer Adrian Johnston wear their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to the musical approach to the soundtrack. The actual '80s songs are all mellow and make the carnage they accompany even more unsettling. The menacing electronic score is obviously very heavily influenced by John Carpenter's Halloween.
One thing I really appreciated about The Strangers: Prey at Night was its use of practical effects. CGI might have been used to enhance some parts, but you'd never know. Most of what you're seeing onscreen was actually handcrafted and brought to life using makeup and props.
All the actors in The Strangers: Prey at Night were completely dedicated to their roles. Bailee Madison could make a career out of being a Scream Queen if she wanted to. I was pleased at how quickly the cast established a believable family dynamic that actually made you care about them.
Overall, The Strangers: Prey at Night is a rather typical slasher flick that pays homage to Carrie, Halloween, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It's gory without being too graphic by showing too much onscreen. Sometimes, less really is more. A few great parts and some impressive camerawork help this to rise above other less exciting slasher outings.
Special features for The Strangers: Prey at Night includes a digital copy of the Unrated Version, alternate ending, "Prep for Night" Music Video, Director's Cut, A Look Inside The Strangers: Prey at Night, Family Fights Back, and The Music of The Strangers: Prey at Night.
The movie is rated R for horror violence and terror throughout, and for language. There are also several thematic elements and adult themes discussed and talked about.
The Strangers: Prey at Night is directed by Johannes Roberts from a screenplay written by Bryan Bertino and Ben Ketai. It stars Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, Bailee Madison, and Lewis Pullman. The running time is 85 minutes.
