I was at the library the other day and I saw they had The Strangers: Prey at Night and good lord, I borrowed it again! What is going on with me? Why do I like this movie? It makes little sense because I'm not much of a fan of the first movie, I'm not impressed with the stale masks at all and I find the title itself sorta annoying. And yet, for some reason, I couldn't wait to pop it back into my DVD player and watch it late at night as the world slept with the company of cats and cheap beer. I don't even think I like the characters in this movie. They're very frustrating. The father (Martin Henderson) fails his entire family by suggesting they split up, the mother (Christina Hendricks) lamely allows herself to be stabbed by someone half her size, the brother (Lewis Pullman) never demands that they all leave immediately after discovering their hosts have been murdered and I'm going to need a little more than a RAMONES T-shirt to convince me that the daughter (Bailee Madison) is a rebellious malcontent. This movie is begging me to dislike it but try as I might it looks like I can't.
This is how we all find out what a shallow human being I am. There are two, count-em' two elements that make this movie impossible to resist for me. First off, on a visual level, it looks fantastic. It takes place in the excellent location of a trailer park at night and a spookily lit fog cloaks all of the surroundings and it comes off like a half-remembered bad dream. Everything looks muddled and vague but then there are these blasts of super sharp neon as well. All the interiors are dunked in sleazy seventies brown and gold complete with burlap couches and wood paneling like that once hip Fiona Apple video "Criminal." I'm such a sucker for that faux-sleaze aesthetic, I know it's basic and mid-nineties of me to fall for such a thing and yet I do. It just works so well as an environment for horror and evil shenanigans. In addition, the fact that the abandoned grounds are empty gives off an alienating, end of the world vibe. It kind of reminds me of playing kick-the-can after dark when I was young and feeling like I could be engulfed by darkness at any minute. It also calls to mind how the dark, twisty labyrinth-like alleys and backyards of Haddonfield were so well utilized in the opening of HALLOWEEN II (1982). Â
Speaking of CARPENTER-esque tonal touches, the score and soundtrack are my other soft spot. The repetitive theme by Adrian Johnston is either homage or a blatant rip-off of THE FOG's and apparently my spine is going to tingle to it either way. I also adore director Johannes Roberts (47 METERS DOWN) ace idea to exploit some cold-ass synth-y new wave songs to embellish the kills. It's almost as if the songs report on the atrocities like indifferent bystanders and it somehow accentuates the idea that the universe doesn't care who lives or dies. Taking advantage of Kim Wilde's "Cambodia" is a truly inspired, off the main road choice that I can't help aplauding. What's really surprising though, is how well low-hanging pop tuneage like Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and Air Supply's  "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" work (when paired with a brutal murder). Both songs were written by Jim Steinman and are known for their over the top theatrics but I'd assume they'd be too familiar and obvious to register much of an impact and apparently, I'd be super wrong. I have to say, this flick's fluorescent pool confrontation is a symphony of exquisite horror-beauty that you don't find many places outside's Michele Soavi's STAGE FRIGHT (1987) or maybe the signature stalk n' skate set-piece from CURTAINS (1982).
I guess STRANGERS: PAN simply fulfills a nostalgic need for me; it reminds me of when I used to be able to watch a movie for payoff alone and with my critical mind fully gagged. The story is thinner than cellophane, the characters are not exceptionally interesting (I'll root for them anyway just because they're humans not looking for trouble) but there's something about the freedom and danger of the night itself that it conveys that I find thrilling. As elementary as it all is, I'm kind of impressed that no kill is a throw-away and that each feels potently, almost romantically, fatalistic and tragic. And maybe the movie is a little deeper than I give it credit for; there's something to be said about how the main character's escalating fortitude coincides with the realization of how much she really does value her parents and sibling. And I think because the victims are a family unit rather than a gaggle of random teens, there's something extra poignant about watching them die (see also THE HILLS HAVE EYES and LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT). I dunno. I guess I just wanted to admit I'm a fan. This won't be the first time I had a soft spot for a maligned sequel and it certainly won't ne the last. I guess when it comes to slash-happy horror movies, I'm an old pro at making love out of nothing at all.
I really enjoyed it as well, mostly due to (as you pointed out)the impressive setting and outstanding set-pieces.
I also think you're on to something with the deaths feeling like they mattered. Unlike so many hack and slash films,I never once cheered on the killers.
Lottie,
I agree, I kind of caught myself during my second watch hoping that the outcome would be different for those murdered! I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it but one character I especially wanted to last longer. I love/hate how frustrating it is!
I'm just going to have to purchase a copy asap. I already want to see it again. And of course, I bought Bonnie Tyle's "Faster than the speed of light" record for $1 this past weekend because of this movie! I'm also now inspired to give the first THE STRANGERS a second chance. I may have been in a mood when I first saw it.
DekesYellowBikini
5 years ago
I'm a sucker for Jim Steinman so the sequel gets bonus points just for featuring his music! The two movies feel so different to me that it's hard to even think of them as related. Even though I think the original is well done, I'm not a huge fan of home invasion horror (too realistic, I suppose) so the more slasher-y Prey At Night is the one I'd go back and revisit as well. You've inspired me to do a rewatch in October.
I absolutely adore this movie. I enjoyed The Strangers too for what it's worth, but the sequel is a different beast altogether.
It takes the formula of the first movie and adds heaps of FUN to it which makes it instantly more rewatchable than the completely bleak, hopeless first movie. Yes it is still a dark and bleak movie, but the music and set pieces are very catchy and memorable.
I just wish that the family member who dies first survived a little bit longer. I knew what would happen since I read the original script all those years ago, but the combination of the character and the actor playing them made it even more devastating to see them go so soon.
Geoff,
I think I'm a sucker for Stienman too! I have seen STREETS OF FIRE more times than I can count. I agree the original is well done but because it's a home invasion flick, it can't help but be a downer. I'll always love that "because you were home" line though!
Luki87o1,
I'm right there with you. Something about that first kill gets me- there's something so straightforward awkward and realistic about it and you can't help but wish the character had more of a fighting chance! I really liked the character too as briefly shown as they are- very likable and endearing. Still, somehow the movie does turn into a fun cat and mouse game at the end and it definitely has a strong re-watch factor going for it.
DekesYellowBikini
5 years ago
Uncle, if you really want to go deep seek out the album Original Sin by Pandora's Box. It's a great 'lost' Jim Steinman album with some songs you probably know. It has the original version of Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" and the title track was later recorded by Taylor Dayne and used for the 1994 movie The Shadow. The album is very reminiscent of his Streets of Fire tracks and Holly Sherwood, the vocalist on both the SOF Fire Inc. tracks, takes lead vocals on Good Girls Go To Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere.) It's not available to download anywhere that I can see but many tracks are on youtube.
Geoff,
Thanks! I've taken that Jim Steinman deep dive on Youtube! Love the original UK video for "Good Girls Go to Heaven…" set in the woman's prison! It has Shirley Stoler from Honeymoon Killers and Pee Wee's Playhouse as the warden! I'm going to keep my eye out for that vinyl while I'm record hunting! Great stuff!
Btw- I realized that URBAN LEGEND used "Total Eclipse" to great effect in the opening murder too!
I'm also enjoying all the eighties music in the new AMERICAN HORROR STORY 1984 (even though I know the show will go off the rails with the storyline soon).
Jon Lavia
5 years ago
I enjoyed this movie, and the original, because I found it easy to put myself in the victims' shoes, even if they weren't particularly interesting or likable. For me, even taking into account significant mistakes made by the targets, both films in this series have sense of realism. It's also why I love the movie Hush.
There is also something sinister about the way the films are shot. Even when the scenes took place out in the open, it made me feel claustrophobic because there was a perpetual sense of danger lurking just off screen and thus no escape. The abandoned trailer park aesthetic was perfect, too!
Jon Lavia,
Agreed, they did an incredible job selling that outdoor setting! It's almost like they're stuck in a dome and the blackness of night is impenetrable. And yep, it was really hard not to root for the family to survive. The scene outside the diner with the mother and daughter talking sticks in my mind as something that made me connect with them. Another thing I think they did really well was when the young girl comes to the door and they perfectly erase her features in the darkness- really unsettling.
I really enjoyed it as well, mostly due to (as you pointed out)the impressive setting and outstanding set-pieces.
I also think you're on to something with the deaths feeling like they mattered. Unlike so many hack and slash films,I never once cheered on the killers.
Lottie,
I agree, I kind of caught myself during my second watch hoping that the outcome would be different for those murdered! I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it but one character I especially wanted to last longer. I love/hate how frustrating it is!
I'm just going to have to purchase a copy asap. I already want to see it again. And of course, I bought Bonnie Tyle's "Faster than the speed of light" record for $1 this past weekend because of this movie! I'm also now inspired to give the first THE STRANGERS a second chance. I may have been in a mood when I first saw it.
I'm a sucker for Jim Steinman so the sequel gets bonus points just for featuring his music! The two movies feel so different to me that it's hard to even think of them as related. Even though I think the original is well done, I'm not a huge fan of home invasion horror (too realistic, I suppose) so the more slasher-y Prey At Night is the one I'd go back and revisit as well. You've inspired me to do a rewatch in October.
I absolutely adore this movie. I enjoyed The Strangers too for what it's worth, but the sequel is a different beast altogether.
It takes the formula of the first movie and adds heaps of FUN to it which makes it instantly more rewatchable than the completely bleak, hopeless first movie. Yes it is still a dark and bleak movie, but the music and set pieces are very catchy and memorable.
I just wish that the family member who dies first survived a little bit longer. I knew what would happen since I read the original script all those years ago, but the combination of the character and the actor playing them made it even more devastating to see them go so soon.
Geoff,
I think I'm a sucker for Stienman too! I have seen STREETS OF FIRE more times than I can count. I agree the original is well done but because it's a home invasion flick, it can't help but be a downer. I'll always love that "because you were home" line though!
Luki87o1,
I'm right there with you. Something about that first kill gets me- there's something so straightforward awkward and realistic about it and you can't help but wish the character had more of a fighting chance! I really liked the character too as briefly shown as they are- very likable and endearing. Still, somehow the movie does turn into a fun cat and mouse game at the end and it definitely has a strong re-watch factor going for it.
Uncle, if you really want to go deep seek out the album Original Sin by Pandora's Box. It's a great 'lost' Jim Steinman album with some songs you probably know. It has the original version of Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" and the title track was later recorded by Taylor Dayne and used for the 1994 movie The Shadow. The album is very reminiscent of his Streets of Fire tracks and Holly Sherwood, the vocalist on both the SOF Fire Inc. tracks, takes lead vocals on Good Girls Go To Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere.) It's not available to download anywhere that I can see but many tracks are on youtube.
Geoff,
Thanks! I've taken that Jim Steinman deep dive on Youtube! Love the original UK video for "Good Girls Go to Heaven…" set in the woman's prison! It has Shirley Stoler from Honeymoon Killers and Pee Wee's Playhouse as the warden! I'm going to keep my eye out for that vinyl while I'm record hunting! Great stuff!
Btw- I realized that URBAN LEGEND used "Total Eclipse" to great effect in the opening murder too!
I'm also enjoying all the eighties music in the new AMERICAN HORROR STORY 1984 (even though I know the show will go off the rails with the storyline soon).
I enjoyed this movie, and the original, because I found it easy to put myself in the victims' shoes, even if they weren't particularly interesting or likable. For me, even taking into account significant mistakes made by the targets, both films in this series have sense of realism. It's also why I love the movie Hush.
There is also something sinister about the way the films are shot. Even when the scenes took place out in the open, it made me feel claustrophobic because there was a perpetual sense of danger lurking just off screen and thus no escape. The abandoned trailer park aesthetic was perfect, too!
Jon Lavia,
Agreed, they did an incredible job selling that outdoor setting! It's almost like they're stuck in a dome and the blackness of night is impenetrable. And yep, it was really hard not to root for the family to survive. The scene outside the diner with the mother and daughter talking sticks in my mind as something that made me connect with them. Another thing I think they did really well was when the young girl comes to the door and they perfectly erase her features in the darkness- really unsettling.