“The Strangers – Chapter 2″ Divides at Fantastic Fest: Attempts Mythology, Loses Franchise Core
AUSTIN, TX – “The Strangers - Chapter 2,” screened at Fantastic Fest, attempts to expand the universe of the 2008 home invasion horror film, but largely misses the mark according to a review published by /film. The sequel, directed by Johannes Harlin, receives a 4 out of 10 rating, praised as an enhancement over “The Strangers: Chapter 1” but ultimately deemed a misstep for the franchise.
The film follows Maya (Madeline Petsch) as she attempts to survive in the wilderness after escaping the initial attack by the masked Strangers. Harlin’s direction is noted as competent in its portrayal of survival, shifting between longer takes during hospital scenes and more frenetic camera work in the woods.A particularly effective scene involves a simple wound re-stitching, amplified by strong sound design.
However, the review criticizes the film’s attempt to explain the origins of the Strangers and build a larger conspiracy, arguing that providing backstories and motivations diminishes the original film’s terrifying randomness. “To give them backstories is to take away from the randomness of the killings, and to give us an actual motivation for the murders feels like a complete betrayal of the franchise,” the review states.
The film concludes with an abrupt cut to black and a mid-credits tease for “Chapter 3,” signaling the filmmakers’ vision of a three-part story. /Film‘s reviewer suggests that the success of the trilogy hinges on weather the baffling choices made in the frist two films will ultimately coalesce into a cohesive narrative. As a standalone movie, however, “The Strangers - Chapter 2” is described as “uninspiring” with “repetitive set pieces” and “baffling character choices.”
“The Strangers – Chapter 2” is scheduled for release in theaters on September 26, 2025.
