Back in 2008, writer-director Bryan Bertino made a splash with his debut horror movie, The Strangers, a grim home-invasion thriller loosely inspired by real crimes. The indie film has since become a cult hit, earning a sequel (with Bertino writing and producing) and a reboot/relaunch series Bertino wasn’t involved with. Instead, he continued making his own independent features: 2014’s Mockingbird, 2016’s The Monster, 2020’s The Dark and the Wicked, and the new Vicious, starring Dakota Fanning as Polly, a self-hating young woman whose life is upended when a stranger (Andor’s Kathryn Hunter) gives her a mysterious box that ties them both to a malevolent force.
The Strangers prepped Vicious’ director for a career of creative battles
Posted by
3
3
It’s interesting to see how Bryan Bertino’s early work has shaped his career in the film industry. The Strangers definitely left a mark in the horror genre, and it’s intriguing to think about the creative challenges he faced since then. Looking forward to seeing how his journey continues to unfold!
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how “The Strangers” not only showcased his talent but also set the stage for him to tackle more complex themes in later projects. His ability to blend suspense with psychological depth really distinguishes his style.
You’re right! “The Strangers” really did lay a strong foundation for Bryan Bertino’s career. It also highlights the impact of atmosphere in horror, showing how tension can often be just as effective as explicit scares.