<P> The Strangers is a 2008 American slasher film written and directed by Bryan Bertino . Kristen ( Liv Tyler ) and James ( Scott Speedman ) are expecting a relaxing weekend at a family vacation home , but their stay turns out to be anything but peaceful as three masked torturers leave Kristen and James struggling for survival . Writer - director Bertino was inspired by real - life events : the Manson family Tate murders , a multiple homicide ; the Keddie Cabin Murders , that occurred in California in 1981 ; and a series of break - ins that occurred in his own neighborhood as a child . Made on a budget of $9 million , the film was shot on location in rural South Carolina in the fall of 2006 . </P>
<P> The Strangers is a 2008 American slasher film written and directed by Bryan Bertino . Kristen ( Liv Tyler ) and James ( Scott Speedman ) are expecting a relaxing weekend at a family vacation home , but their stay turns out to be anything but peaceful as three masked torturers leave Kristen and James struggling for survival . Writer - director Bertino was inspired by real - life events : the Manson family Tate murders , a multiple homicide ; the Keddie Cabin Murders , that occurred in California in 1981 ; and a series of break - ins that occurred in his own neighborhood as a child . Made on a budget of $9 million , the film was shot on location in rural South Carolina in the fall of 2006 . </P>
where does the movie the strangers take place
where does the movie the strangers take place
rural South Carolina
rural South Carolina