Strangers
Strangers is a 1978–82 ITV police procedural created and principally written by Murray Smith, based on characters created by Kenneth Royce in his novel series and subsequent 1977–78 television adaptation The XYY Man. Don Henderson and Dennis Blanch reprise their roles, respectively, of Detective Sergeant (DS) George Bulman and Detective Constable (DC) Derek Willis. A group of police officers are brought together from across the country to the north of England. There, the fact that they're not well-known gives them the advantage to infiltrate where a more familiar local detective could not. Despite being based around a comparatively small team of detectives, a regular feature in its early years is that few episodes feature the entire team, with most using just two or three regulars in any major role.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful architect and his wife, facing marital problems, rent a secluded country house for a vacation. Their stay takes a sinister turn when they begin to suspect that the locals are not what they seem and that they are being watched. The idyllic retreat transforms into a nightmarish trap as their paranoia escalates and the true nature of their hosts is revealed.
Critical Reception
Strangers (also known as 'Innocent Prey') received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics acknowledged its attempts at suspense and atmospheric horror, many found the plot predictable and the execution lacking. The film is often overlooked in the horror genre of the early 1980s.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles with a predictable plot and uninspired horror elements.
- Some viewers found the suspenseful atmosphere to be its only redeeming quality.
- The performances are generally considered adequate but unable to elevate the weak material.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Strangers' are scarce due to its limited release and recognition. Those that exist often mention it as a forgettable thriller with a derivative plot and a lack of memorable scares. It is generally seen as a low-budget horror film that failed to make a significant impact.
Fun Fact
The film was also released under the title 'Innocent Prey' and is sometimes confused with other films sharing similar titles.
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