One of the must-see horror movies to watch in theaters this month is The Strangers: Chapter 1. As of May 17, it's now in theaters, so you can buy your tickets. However, I know some people would rather watch it in the comfort of their own home. If you're one of those people, you'll be waiting awhile, but the film is expected to come to streaming and have a digital release sometime after its theatrical run. More on this below.
Directed by Renny Harlin from a screenplay co-written by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is the third movie in The Strangers film series and the first installment in a standalone prequel trilogy of films. It stars Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch and Cruel Summer's Froy Gutierrez as a young couple, who decide to go on a three-day road trip across the country to celebrate their five-year anniversary, only to soon find themselves fighting for their lives when they encounter three psychopathic masked strangers.
Joining Petsch and Gutierrez in the cast are Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso, Ema Horvath, and Ella Bruccoler. I don't know if you've been reading the early critic reviews for this movie, but they aren't looking too good with many critics criticizing it for being too similar to the original film. However, I wouldn't let the negative reviews deter you from watching this horror flick. You might end up enjoying it.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 should stream on Starz after theaters
05/29/24 UPDATE: According to DVDs Release Dates, The Strangers: Chapter 1 will be available to purchase on digital platforms on June 7, 2024. As of May 29, you can pre-order the movie digitally through Amazon Video or Apple TV for $24.99 before taxes.
While a streaming release has not been confirmed, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is expected to make its way to the Starz streaming service sometime after it leaves theaters. This is because of a multiyear theatrical output agreement that Lionsgate has with Starz. The deal allows Starz to get an exclusive first window for Lionsgate theatrically released films. If you weren't aware, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a Lionsgate movie.
When it comes to when the movie could possibly land on Starz, we could be waiting several months. I mean, we've seen other Lionsgate theatrically released movies arrive on Starz almost six months after their release in theaters. If this were to happen with The Strangers: Chapter 1, we wouldn't be seeing the horror flick on Starz until sometime in October 2024 or November 2024.
Once the Starz window is up, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is then expected to move on over to the Roku Channel, followed by Peacock. This is because both the Roku Channel and Peacock have deals with Lionsgate as well. Now, when it comes to a digital release, the horror film is expected to eventually be available to rent or purchase on digital platforms. In fact, it should be given a digital release before a streaming release.
According to Screen Rant, we could be seeing The Strangers: Chapter 1 on digital as early as 18 days after its theatrical release. This would put the digital release sometime in early June 2024. Once we know all these juicy details, we'll make sure to share them right away. But for now, the only way you can see this horror film is by heading to the theater.
Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for any new updates on The Strangers: Chapter 1's streaming release!
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