The Strangers: Chapter 1

Madelaine Petsch stars in first-part of prequel trilogy to 2008 cult classic

The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a horror-thriller film directed by Renny Harlin for Lionsgate Films. It serves as a prequel to 2008's The Strangers and is the third entry into the Strangers franchise alongside 2018's The Strangers: Prey at Night. It additionally serves as the first part in a trilogy consisting of Chapters 2 and 3.

Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freeland (Due Date) crafted the screenplay for The Strangers: Chapter 1 which is based on a story from original writer/director Bryan Bertino. The initial installment followed an estranged couple played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman being terrorized by a trio of masked psychopaths. The film earned a whopping $82 million at the worldwide box office on a modest budget of $9 million, with a sequel starring Christina Hendricks releasing a decade afterwards. Producers on The Strangers: Chapter 1 include Courtney Solomon, Alastair Birlingham, Mark Canton, Charlie Dombeck and Christopher Milburn.

Renny Harlin has directed an interesting variety of horror and action titles including A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea and Exorcist: The Beginning. Justin Burnett composed the music on the film, having previously worked on such titles as Dungeons & Dragons, I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer and Getaway. José David Montero (What Happened to Monday) handled cinematography duties.

Madelaine Petsch leads the film as Maya. She is best known for her role as Cheryl Blossom in The CW's beloved series Riverdale. Froy Gutierrez (Cruel Summer) portrays Maya's boyfriend, Ryan. The supporting cast includes Rachel Shenton (Switched at Birth), Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent), Ema Horvath (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Ella Bruccoleri.