Where was The Strangers filmed?
2008
City Locations
Timmonsville, Florence, SC (USA)
Location Types
Hotel, House
Location Styles
Modern Building, Craftsman, Retreat
About The Strangers
Released in 2008, The Strangers is an unusual psychological horror film. This American horror classic, directed and brought to life by Bryan Bertino, stars Hollywood heavyweights Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman. They play a couple whose serene stay at their vacation house turns into a nightmare as three masked intruders terrorize them.
A terrifying night of tension and terror is central to the story of The Strangers. When anonymous assailants break into their homes and humiliate the couple (Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler), their peaceful seclusion is disrupted. A persistent, heart-pounding cat-and-mouse chase begins, culminating in a startling and terrible ending.
The disturbing tone and noticeable tension earned a positive reception, but the screenplay and characters received criticism, leading to mixed reviews. Despite criticism, The Strangers was a surprise hit, earning $82 million worldwide.
A series of burglaries in Bertino's boyhood neighborhood and the notorious Tate murders committed by the Manson family are the two real-life events that inspired the screenplay.
While The Strangers may not have garnered significant awards or nominations, it has not stopped the film from earning its rightful place in the pantheon of horrors. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has garnered an approval score of 49% from 164 reviews, averaging 5.1 out of 10. A majority of critics expressed dissatisfaction with the film. Meanwhile, Metacritic has assigned it a weighted average score of 47 out of 100, based on evaluations from 27 critics, suggesting "mixed or average reviews."
The Strangers Locations
The Strangers production process exploited South Carolina's stunning scenery and architectural characteristics. The area ten miles outside of Florence, South Carolina, combines rural serenity with the architectural appeal of the 1970s, providing the setting for most scenes.
The set crew meticulously built the 2,000-square-foot house, which served as the film's primary location, in the manner of 1970s ranch houses and furnished it with era-appropriate pieces. Filmmaker Bryan Bertino's upbringing in rural Texas influenced this design choice. Isolated and haunted, the Timmonsville, South Carolina, property provided the ideal backdrop for the dramatic story.
Despite facing weather complications, the filmmakers decided to shoot the film mainly in chronological order. The interior scenes occurred in a warehouse near Florence, which the filmmakers transformed into a soundstage. Florence also served as a backdrop for a few flashback scenes and the movie's opening scenes, with locations including the Pee Dee Shrine Club, the Hilton Garden Inn, and various residential streets.
A trip to these locations could be worthwhile for film fans or movie production enthusiasts. The blend of natural beauty and carefully crafted film sets in and around Florence, South Carolina, provides a unique opportunity to step into the world of the movie, making it a memorable destination for a cinematic pilgrimage.
The friend's wedding scene in The Strangers
Hilton Garden Inn Florence, 2671 Hospitality Blvd, Florence, SC 29501, USA
In a nostalgic flashback scene, we witness a tender moment between Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman) during a wedding celebration. This poignant sequence captures James gently guiding Kristen by the arm on the street, encapsulating a moment of intimacy and connection between the two characters.
The Hilton Garden Inn in Florence, South Carolina, offered the backdrop for this scene. The Hilton Garden Inn provides comfort and convenience, offering amenities like a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a whirlpool alongside a restaurant and bar, catering to guests' needs with the quality service Hilton Worldwide is known for. The brand began its journey in the late 1980s and has become a staple for travelers seeking mid-priced, focused service accommodations.
For movie enthusiasts and travelers interested in visiting this filming location, the Hilton Garden Inn in Florence is easily accessible. Located near the junction of I-208/I-95, the hotel is within walking distance of the Florence Center and Florence Veterans Park. It's also situated near Magnolia Mall, offering shopping and dining options, less than five miles from the heart of Florence. For NASCAR fans, the Darlington Raceway is a mere 11 miles away, making the Hilton Garden Inn a strategic spot for exploring the area’s attractions.
The proposal scene in The Strangers
Pee Dee Shrine Club, 3053 E Cres Cir, Florence, SC 29506, USA
James (Scott Speedman) discovers a moment of vulnerability and hope on the street, confessing his long-standing love for Kristen (Liv Tyler). He confesses his intention to strengthen their relationship and spend the rest of their lives together by proposing to her. Kristen, though, turns down James's marriage proposal as she struggles to make sense of her emotions and fears.
This memorable flashback, featuring the wedding reception, was shot at the Pee Dee Shrine Club. The Pee Dee Shrine Club, established in 1994, is situated at 3053 Crescent Circle in Florence, South Carolina, within Florence County. This location is not just a filming site but also a hub for the local Shriner community, hosting various fraternal activities and events.
For fans and visitors interested in tracing the steps of Kristen and James's story, the Pee Dee Shrine Club is accessible to the public. Situated in the heart of Florence, SC, the club can be easily reached by those wishing to immerse themselves in the film's backdrop and experience a piece of cinematic history firsthand. Hilton Garden Inn is just a 20-minute drive away via W Palmetto St and US-76 E/E Palmetto St.
Kristen and James's house scene in The Strangers
Timmonsville, South Carolina, USA
As Kristen (Liv Tyler) listens from the backyard patio, she detects an eerie dragging noise and the unsettling wind chimes tinkling. She carries a kitchen knife beside the sliding glass door, ready to meet whatever is beyond, exuding an atmosphere of terror and force.
The horrifying sequence reaches its climax as she draws aside the curtain and faces the man in the mask (Kip Weeks) head-on. The film's dark mood shines when he aggressively gestures toward the window, sending her tumbling back in despair.
This scene occurred in a mansion close to Timmonsville, South Carolina. The exterior of this house was crucial to the film's exterior sequences, providing a terrifyingly realistic tone and heightening the suspense. A set provided the backdrop for the interior scenes, while those shot outside benefited from the setting's look and vibe.
Fans who want to visit this legendary site should remember that the address remains a mystery to protect the owners' privacy. The proprietors have kindly offered a photo album showcasing unforgettable moments with fans over the years to anyone fortunate enough to come upon it.
Fans wishing to visit the city can rent a car in Charlotte and then embark on a 2-hour journey via SC-151 S to reach their destination. Regrettably, there are no public transportation options available for this route.
Conclusion
The Strangers outdid itself, particularly for the house invasion subgenre. Audiences and critics have lauded the film's cinematography by Peter Sova for creating an excellent atmosphere and keeping the suspense high throughout.
The performances in The Strangers highlight the protagonists' fear and hopelessness. The murders of the Tate family and other real-life incidents form the basis of the film's concept, lending authenticity to the plot and increasing its terrifying impact.
Despite being compared to other genre films like Halloween (1978) for its suspense and Funny Games for its lack of pretense, The Strangers succeeds in carving out its niche. It avoids complicated story developments in favor of simple terror, capitalizing on the fear of the unknown and the randomness of violence.
Florence, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas were excellent for filming this eerie story. The film's setting was further grounded in reality by the decision to film in a location that combined pastoral serenity with the architectural attractiveness of the 1970s. The Pee Dee Shrine Club, the Hilton Garden Inn, and many residential neighborhoods all played essential roles in creating the film's ambiance, which grounded the dread in a setting that was once familiar and strangely alone.