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Horror films get a bad wrap for not having any character development. Us, as horror fans, know that this is a common misconception. For me, an idea for an article was born. After weeks of writer’s block, I heard the demons from below singing, “Hallelujah!” and it was time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard… meh… whatever). In this article we will explore one film, The Strangers, that was so great due to its extensive use of character development to keep the audience intrigued and invested. I will break down what ingredients went into the development and how they played a key role into the success and suspense of the movie.
The Strangers gets you incredibly invested in its lead characters in a very short time-frame. When dealing with a film that is based on suspense, you need to compel your audience to care deeply about the characters. Otherwise, you don’t care enough for them, so you’re not worried about what will happen to them. No worry equals no suspense. So, what did The Strangers add to their concoction to get us to care?
The first ingredient is the rejected boyfriend. Scott Speedman’s portrayal of the heartbroken James, recently rejected by his beloved, is poetic and palpable. He’s not sure how to proceed, if at all, with his current relationship. He’s still wandering aimlessly, going through the motions at the start of the film, and inevitably deciding he needs space.
The second ingredient is provided by the phenomenal Liv Tyler. Tyler’s character, Kristen, is also in a state of confusion. Not necessarily wanting to end the relationship but not ready for a lifetime commitment, she sporadically attempts to reach out to her lover. However, she is met with a brick wall, and left between a rock and a hard place. One aspect about Liv Tyler’s performance needs to be highlighted. You can see the conflict in Kristen’s pain.
On one hand, there is the silent defense of her decision to not accept the proposal. She has that right, and it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want to be with him. Then, the doubt that fills her eyes on whether she should feel hurt or upset. Does she even have the right to defend herself? She conveys this all silently. That is a sign that an actor has perfected their craft. She almost seems to be waiting to hear her fate, leaving the decision completely up to him. She is willing to accept whatever it is, because she feels she deserves it. The decision has been made, and now it’s up to him to make a choice. It’s self-punishment based on the belief that she deserves to be wrecked for being honest with herself about whether she should marry him or not.
All of this is presented to the audience within the film’s first 20-30 minutes, and it demands that the audience not only root for their survival as humans, but also for the survival of a relationship we are now invested in. That is the beauty of character development in this horror film. If they die, neither one of them will understand just how much each one loves the other. That would be the real tragedy.
We begin the film full of suspense, wondering what is going to happen between the two leads, and then BAM! now there’s a new ingredient. They’re in danger, but it starts off so subtly. A simple question, “Is Tamara here?” is the warning shot heard around the world. It’s the beginning of what will be the most terrifying night any isolated couple will ever experience.
The Strangers is a perfect example of how you give birth to suspense, nurture it, and let it flourish. It doesn’t push the antagonists on its audience. At first, we just know one exists. Basically, she’s a minor annoyance like any prank caller or ding-dong ditcher. Then, there’s a man lurking in the house with a sack over his head. The audience is made aware of the fact that there is more than one intruder. They are in control of the situation, and our protagonists are in a lot more danger than they are even aware. Who knows where the man lurking in the house is now? We are afraid of anywhere she might go, and any place she might turn her back at the wrong second.
This kind of suspense isn’t your standard white-knuckle thrill ride. It takes the form of something like an itch. Initially, it kind of exists and you scratch it lightly to get rid of it. However, the more you scratch, the more it itches, and pretty soon, you are bloody and raw, wondering just exactly how you even ended up in such a predicament.
This is the beauty of character development in a horror movie. Can you have suspense without it? Possibly. But then it’s just reminiscent of a one-night stand. It was fun in the moment, but did it really leave you with any long-lasting effects? On the other hand, suspense with character development… that’s a combination that never goes out of style. That is the exact mixture that took this film from a one-time watch to an instant classic.
How do you all feel about The Strangers? Did you enjoy the sequel? Let us know in the comments! Make sure, as always, to stay updated on the latest news in all things horror, right here at Pophorror.
