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Napoleon Syndrome

I'm a vertically challenged, rage-a-holic horror fan. These are my thoughts on the world around me.

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Is "The Strangers" a remake of "Them" (Ils)?

Eric's picture
Submitted by Eric on Mon, 05/12/2008 - 14:37.

So next week on our podcast we're going to be talking about the French film "Them" (aka "Ils"). Some have claimed that the upcoming US release of "The Strangers" is an unofficial remake (read: ripoff), so we thought now was the perfect time to explore the issue.

So, take a look at these two trailers and see what you think. They're admittedly similar, but I have to say that the home invasion story isn't exactly new territory when it comes to horror films. I mean hell, they could both be ripping off "When a Stranger Calls" for all we know.

"The Strangers" comes out in about three weeks (May 30th) so the whole debate is sure to rage on for at least another month or so. In the meantime, "Them" is out on DVD now and available on Netflix, so check it out now so you can follow along with us next week!

Trailer for "Them"


Trailer for "The Strangers"


John Shelton's picture

The Strangers be Ils-in'.

Submitted by John Shelton on Tue, 05/13/2008 - 07:24.

There's something fishy going on with this. Last year I wrote a review for Ils and when I looked on imdb it had The Strangers listed as a remake. I don't know if there was some legal problem or if somebody made a mistake but as that headless guy up there on the right is my witness, that's what it said.

I'm guessing it comes down to the ending. Ils has a bit of a twist at the end and all I can figure is that The Strangers has gone in a different direction. Whatever the case is, the two do look suspiciously similar.

Prisoner Abel's picture

not a real remake

Submitted by Prisoner Abel on Mon, 05/12/2008 - 21:59.

"The Strangers" and "Ils" are supposed to be based on the same "true story" (it's factuality has come into doubt) but it's not a actual remake.

"I like it when they lie still like that."