The most terrifying trio is back again in the hunt for new victims. The new film follows Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and her boyfriend Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) who plunge into a nightmare when their car breaks down after dining at a restaurant in Oregon. Their 5th-anniversary vacation turns into terror when they are offered to stay in at an Airbnb home and receive a visit from three strangers in petrified masks. Together, Maya and Ryan must attempt to survive.

What takes place in ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ is nothing new. The reboot is a carbon copy of the 2008 film, with a more innovative take that includes today’s technology and plot points that today’s generation will understand and relate to. The most shocking surprise here is the eerie setting, which offers an uncomfortable feeling while watching thanks to the dark colors and score. The film also includes good jump scares but could benefit from more bloody scenes that could make the film feel more realistic.

Another element that helps the film move in a good direction is Madelaine Petsch’s performance as Maya, who holds together the pace and format of the film. Petsch is on the road to becoming a scream queen, but all that will be determined by time and her performances in future chapters. Froy Gutierrez as Ryan is great, but feels more like a support to Petsch as the storyline primarily focuses on her desires and needs. The conclusion to the first chapter is also predictable, which feels dull for everything the characters go thru.

For those who are fans of the original film, ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ will feel like Déjà vu. Fans will find similarities that are easy to notice. For new viewers, the new trilogy is set to become a horror fan favorite in time.

‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ is playing in theaters now.