Story: In the horror trilogy finale, Maya (Madelaine Petsch) faces the masked serial killers one last time. Still reeling from the earlier attacks, this time, survival is at stake and retribution is on her mind.
Review: The slasher movie returns for the third and final time and jumps right into the scares and bloodbath. After the first two volumes, one knows what to expect when young people check into the motel, and there’s a knock at the door followed by, ‘Is Tamara there?’ The narrative picks up from where Part Deux left off. Maya is the sole survivor and still trying to save herself from the serial killers, the Strangers, comprising the Scarecrow and Pinup Girl, after Dollface died in the earlier film. This time, however, the stakes are much higher, the gore is cranked up (a corpse is run through a wood chipper, victims are frequently slashed up), and an additional killer is introduced, though they never quite form a quadrangle.
After an underwhelming first part and a better but tepid follow-up, the overall narrative has gained some steam. While there are a few genuine scares and the film remains atmospheric, many parts feel predictable. This instalment also offers fleeting glimpses into the flashbacks of the serial killers’ origins, but it doesn’t delve deeper or add much to the existing story. While, understandably, that’s the whole point — slashing for no rhyme or reason — inserting the backstories in bits and pieces does little to take the narrative forward or raise the emotional stakes.
For long stretches, there are no dialogues, which ends up feeling more monotonous than discomforting. The pacing falters at several points, as sequences overstretch, much like the prolonged chase in the previous film. That said, the horror outing does throw in a few twists, but most scenes play out rather flatly, lacking the impact one expects from a final chapter. Even after three films, this trilogy remains no patch on
The Strangers, Bryan Bertino’s slick, unsettling original.
Madelaine Petsch pulls off a fine act as Maya and has a few surprises up her sleeve. The trailer hinted at a transformation or a psychological shift, and the viewer finally witnesses that arc play out here. Gabriel Basso and Emma Horvath deliver solid performances as well, though it’s Richard Brake as the Sheriff who stands out in a limited but effective role.
As a closing chapter,
The Strangers: Chapter 3 is a hit-and-miss affair. It delivers on gore and atmosphere but stumbles in pacing and predictability. Still, it remains a one-time-watch.