We all know the basic concept of “The Strangers”. A couple becomes trapped in an isolated cabin while a bunch of creeps torment them all night, simply because they were home. It’s a beloved film in the horror community, and when I heard about a new version, I was very skeptical, and highly intrigued. 

Well, Courtney Solomon, a producer on the highly anticipated THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1, was kind enough to sit down and have a chat with us recently about the film, why he got involved, and what to expect for the future of the franchise! 

iHorror: Hi Courtney! What can you tell us about THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1? 

Courtney Solomon: Man, “The Strangers,” I loved! I watched the (original) movie probably twenty-one times, or something like that. Big fan of it. To me, it’s one of the truly terrifying horror movies because it’s so real, and it can touch everybody. So, I really pondered it. We had talked about maybe doing a remake, after looking at the numbers the original did, but I was like, “No way, trust me. It’s only been like fifteen years, and if it had even been thirty-five years, it’s a beloved film in the horror community, I wouldn’t go there.” 

Then we looked at “Strangers: Prey at Night.” It’s another Strangers story, taking place in the trailer park with another family. It was certainly nothing near as chilling as the original, obviously. I really thought there was another opportunity there, to tell a big story, in the way I wanted to, and this was the right I.P. to do it with. I’m really interested, and I think everybody else would be, as long as we don’t mess with the mystery of them – to know more about who’s underneath those masks, from a psychological point of view. 

I don’t need to know their names, or where they came from, or even how they became a Stranger, anything like that. Sure, we can allude to stuff, in a Strangers fashion, like things that give you food for thought, and a lot of conversation, but you as the audience are going to have to figure that part out for yourself. You’re going to be able to fill in the blanks multiple different ways. It’s more interesting like that.

I want to know about their darkness. I want to know what allows somebody to essentially put on a mask, for whatever reason, maybe because they want to hide their face, or maybe just because they want to. You know? Or, any other reason, and then just terrify people. Because if you go back to the original, they could have killed the couple twelve times, but they were playing with them. Sort of like playing with your food before you eat it. Then finally, when the time was right, they had the ultimate satisfaction, for those people. 

I’d like to know a little bit more about the darkness that they live in. That’s interesting to me, and I think it would be very interesting to the audience if done correctly. At the same time, I want to imagine that if our setup was the DNA of the original, by that I mean the idea of a couple, the invasion, the playing, those characters, I love. That set up, I love. Obviously, we change it to fit who our characters are, and what our story is. That was the launch pad, to then tell the greater story. 

The other part of the story I would really like to see is, instead of glossing over these protagonists that get into these situations, because it is so real. What if somebody survived that first onslaught, but they were stuck in this small town that they couldn’t get out of? Keeping in mind that they were mortally injured in the first onslaught. What would that person have to go through, physically, emotionally, and mentally, if you went beat by beat with them? 

Now they are being hunted by these serial killers, and let’s go through three or four days of that, and see what we end up with. Really, that’s the horror. The scares are then baked in naturally, just part of what we go through, and it’s real. That’s what we strove to do, so chapter 1, back to your question, is really our jumping off point. It is its own movie. We wrote a 289 page script. Literally, it’s like three scripts. We just went and made the movie, that’s the movie. Later, we divided it into three chapters because it was just too long. It’s a huge movie. 

Chapter 1, it takes you into this universe and introduces you to our main characters, and then it takes you on a terrifying ride. Our whole basis for making these was keeping it as real as possible, all the way through. To never really cross the line of being kitsch, in any way. What would it feel like, if it was really happening to you? Because that’s The Strangers. 

This isn’t a remake, this isn’t a prequel. This lives in its own space. Yes, there are echoes, and homages to the original, as there should be, but really, this about what happens to people in a bigger story. Like this big, not just this big. (Makes an example with his hands.) Everything stays random, like in the original. One thing you’re not going to walk away with, at the end of the third movie, is a nice bow. In fact, you will walk away with questions, just like in the original film. 

Mystery was a big part of the original experience. The whole mystique. 

Right. You’re going to get a little glimpse into their darkness.

I like how you stopped to point that out – their darkness. That must mean something…

Correct! Without giving away any spoilers, I’m happy to say that we have moments in chapter 2 and 3, where we go back and see them doing different things that are completely unrelated to the story line. So, we understand them more through other things they did, or potentially other victims that they had. 

We use those types of devices to help you learn more about them, because let’s be honest, The Strangers aren’t exactly giving any speeches. They have very few words, so when they do speak, they are chosen very carefully. We don’t veer away from that in any chapter. 

Now Renny Harlin (“Exorcist: The Beginning”) directed the entire trilogy, correct?

Yeah, we shot it all as one big movie. 

What was it like working with Renny?

It was great. We had an amazing time out there. Renny is an amazing shooter. We had a clear idea of how we wanted it to look, and he delivered. I’m more of the story, character guy. Together, we complimented each other. When you’re doing three movies in one, essentially, it becomes a bit more like a showrunner scenario. As far as script and story is concerned.

How long did it take to film all three movies?

In total, I think it was fifty-six days. It was fun.  Most of it was nights, in the middle of the woods. 

Long nights?

You know it!

Was there anything else you wanted to mention about the film, Courtney?

The one thing that seems to register confusion amongst the OG “The Strangers” fans is that we remade the movie, or that it’s a prequel. Not really. What we did is we took the DNA of the original setup, and wanted to use that because you really can’t do better for a setup, we’re using that as the jumping off point. Our characters are different. Our scares and our beats are very different. It’s all setting up a bigger story. You’re following these characters, and you will really get to know the protagonist, and antagonist, and as they go through, it’s like they almost know each other. 

I will also say that as crazy as it was to do three films at once, everybody was – it’s like if you do a successful movie, it does well and the studio wants a sequel, that’s probably twelve to eighteen months to reassemble that cast and crew, and nobody has that same drive they had the first time when they were so amped up about doing it. So, what’s great about this is you get all three movies, with all that drive because they were all done at once, and you can feel that in the movies. I think it was so cool to do it that way. It’s more consistent. They look exactly the same age. 

So, it’s not “Stranger Things.” 

(Laughing.) Right. Or, Harry Potter! 

Like, I swear,  that’s a thirty year old man…

But not that much time had really passed. (Laughing.) 

We really appreciate your time, Courtney, it’s been a pleasure! 

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 stars Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso, and genre stalwart, Richard Brake. In theatres May 17th! 

Richard Brake is a name well known to many fans of the horror genre, and for good reason. He’s great in everything he does, and I’m sure that will include his latest film, The Last Stop In Yuma County, a crime thriller both written and directed by Francis Galluppi. Also starring Jim Cummings (“Thunder Road”), Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil”), and the legendary Barbara Crampton (“Reanimator”) to name a few, the movie is currently sitting at an impressive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing.

We recently had the chance to chat with Richard about the film, and I get the impression that he really wants you to see this one! You can check out the trailer, official synopsis, and our exclusive conversation below!

“While stranded at a rural Arizona rest stop, a traveling salesman is thrust into a dire hostage situation by the arrival of two bank robbers with no qualms about using cruelty-or cold, hard steel-to protect their bloodstained fortune.”

iHorror: Hi, Richard! What can you tell us about ‘The Last Stop In Yuma County’, without giving too much away?

Richard Brake: I’m very proud of my instincts on this one. The same with “Barbarian,” Zach Cregger is an incredible director, I just felt it. It was the same vibe with Francis (Galluppi). I’m really blessed. I’ve worked with Rob Zombie four times, it’s just heaven working with him, he’s a brilliant film maker. I don’t want to push my luck, but I’m very blessed. 

The film has a great cast, too. I see Barbara Crampton is in it. 

I love Barbara, I’ve known her for a while. That was the thing. Every single person was his first choice. I literally lost money doing the film, nobody made money, nobody did it for money. We did it because we loved the film, and we really dug Francis. By the end, he had cast most of it, and he thought he’d love to get Barbara Crampton on, and they were telling him that there’s no way he’s going to get her, and then she signed onto it. Everybody did it for the same reason as me, the script. 

When I heard Jim (Cummings) was doing it, I was really excited because I love Jim. He’s an incredible artist. Very important figure in independent film in this country. It’s a pleasure working with him, and knowing him. His enthusiasm for film and independent film is crucial, I think, and he was a big part of this film as well, in terms of producing it, and obviously in terms of his performance. It was great. 

It was just really lovely to get there with a bunch of character actors, incredibly talented people, making movies because we love making movies. Not because we’re going to make money, or become famous, none of those reasons. Just doing it for the love of indie films, and it’s not easy! There’s no nice trailers, the foods like, you have two choices, one veggie. Nothing fancy. Living in a Motel 6. It’s not what people think.

Faizon Love, known to many as Big Worm from the film “Friday,” is in the cast as well as Vernon?

He’s a character…

He’s a funny guy.

He came in, we had been shooting for a week, or so, when Faizon showed up. It was really brilliant having him. He comes in and just nails it. Then Michael Abbot Jr, who plays the sheriff, came very late in the shoot. His stuff with us in the diner is somewhat limited, at least with my character, but very emotionally packed. 

He came in and I was blown away. Literally, the guy just arrived on set and had a very emotionally charged scene to do. I was like, “this guy is incredible!” It was like watching Gene Jones, and that guy’s just a legend. Sierra McCormick (who plays Sybil), I loved. My agent was really excited, he was like, “I’ve seen her, she’s an incredible young actor.”

If you could say one thing about the film, to give people a reason to watch it, what would it be?

Without saying anything clichéd, or giving anything away, it really is a great film. If you like 70’s films, and that kind of gritty stuff, then it’s worth seeing it. Honestly, one of the biggest reasons to see it, is to be in the know. Because it’s an indie film, it’s not going to get a huge push. It’s not a big studio film. Be that person who has seen that film and can say to people, man you have to see this. 

I don’t think I have heard one person who has seen it, including my 21 year old who is an incredibly tough critic of his dad’s work, who didn’t love it. My son sent me a text the next day saying how much he loved it, and I promise you, that does not happen. 

So, that’s saying something!

It really is. It’s one of those films that you stumble upon, or somebody tells you about, and you want to be the one to tell everybody to see it. It’s not going to get loads of press. It has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and it won the Sitges “Best Film” award, it won a lot of other festival awards, but it’s a small film and a lot of people will miss it. So go see it, and tell people about it. 

It’s always a pleasure, Richard, we appreciate your time! 

You can see Richard in THE LAST STOP IN YUMA COUNTY May 10th, in theatres or digital release! Courtesy of Well Go USA.

The first ever scripted VR series is finally upon us. The Faceless Lady is the newest horror series brought to us by Crypt TV, ShinAwiL, and the master of gore himself, Eli Roth (Cabin Fever). The Faceless Lady aims to revolutionize the world of entertainment as we know it.

The Faceless Lady is a modern take on a piece of classic Irish folklore. The series is a brutal and bloody ride centered on the power of love. Or rather, the curse of love may be a more appropriate depiction of this psychological thriller. You can read the synopsis below.

“Step inside Kilolc castle, a magnificent stone fortress deep in the Irish countryside and home to the infamous ’Faceless Lady’, a tragic spirit doomed to walk the crumbling manor for eternity. But her story is far from over, as three young couples are about to discover. Drawn to the castle by its mysterious owner, they have come to compete in historic Games. The winner shall inherit Kilolc Castle, and all that lies within it… both the living, and the dead.“

The Faceless Lady premiered on April 4th and will consist of six terrifying 3d episodes. Horror fans can head over to Meta Quest TV to watch the episodes in VR or Crypt TV’s Facebook page to view the first two episodes in standard format. We were lucky enough to sit down with the up and coming scream queen Tara Lee (The Cellar) to discuss the show.

iHorror: What’s it like creating the first ever scripted VR show?

Tara: It’s an honor. The cast and crew, the whole time, just felt like we were part of something really special. It was such a bonding experience to get to do that and to know that you were the first people doing it.

The team behind it has so much history and so much fantastic work to back them up, so you know you can rely on them. But it’s like going into uncharted territory with them. That felt really exciting.

It was really ambitious. We didn’t have a ton of time… you really have to roll with the punches.

Do you think this is going to become the new version of entertainment?

I think it’s definitely going to become a new version [of entertainment]. If we can have as many different ways of watching or experiencing a Television series as possible, then fantastic. Do I think it’s going to take over and eradicate watching things in 2d, probably not. But I think it’s giving people the option to experience something and be immersed in something.

It really works, in particular, for genres like horror… where you want thing to be coming at you. But I think this definitely is the future and I can see more things like this being made.

Was bringing a piece of Irish folklore to the screen Important to you? Were you familiar with the story already?

I had heard this story as a kid. There is something about when you leave the place that you are from, you suddenly become so proud of it. I think the opportunity to do an American series in Ireland … to get to tell a story I heard as a child growing up there, I just felt really proud.

Irish folklore is famous all over the world because Ireland is such a fairytale country. To get to tell that in genre, with such a cool creative team, it makes me proud.

Is horror a favorite genre of yours? Could we expect to see you in more of these roles?

I have an interesting history with horror. When I was a kid [my dad] forced me to watch Stephen Kings IT at the age of seven and it traumatized me. I was like that’s it, I don’t watch horror movies, I don’t do horror, that’s just not me.

Through shooting horror movies, I was forced to watch them … When I choose to watch these [films], these are such an incredible genre. I would say these are, hand on heart, one of my favorite genres. And one of my favorite genres to shoot as well because they are so much fun.

You did an interview with Red Carpet where you stated there is “No heart in Hollywood.”

You’ve done your research, I love it.

You have also stated that you prefer indie films because that is where you find the heart. Is that still the case?

I would say 98% of the time, yes. I do love indie movies; my heart is in indie movies. Now does that mean if I was offered a superhero role that I would turn it down? Absolutely not, please cast me as a superhero.

There are some Hollywood movies that I absolutely adore, but there is something so romantic to me about getting an indie film made. Because it is so hard… it is normally a labor of love for the directors and the writers. Knowing all that goes into it makes me feel a little bit different about them.

Audiences can catch Tara Lee in The Faceless Lady now on Meta Quest and Crypt TV’s Facebook page. Make sure to check out the trailer below.