Valuable lessons on security from 7 home invasion movies
2. 'Us' (2019)
In Us , Jordan Peele reframes the home invasion not as a random attack, but as a confrontation with buried truths. The intruders are literal copies of the protagonists—people who have been living underground while others enjoyed the surface.
By staging the attack in a coastal holiday home, Peele critiques the illusion of retreat and privilege. The Wilsons, like many middle-class families, believe they've earned safety through consumption and distance. Us suggests this comfort comes at a cost—and that what has been repressed, socially or psychologically, will eventually demand its reckoning. 3. 'The Strangers' (2008)
Bryan Bertino's The Strangers remains one of the bleakest entries in the home invasion canon because it offers no clear motive, no redemption arc and no heroic escape. A young couple is terrorised in their rural family home simply because, as one of the masked assailants says, 'you were home'.
This randomness is what makes the film so disturbing—it strips away any sense of moral cause and effect. It's a rare film that underscores the idea that no matter how careful or secluded you are, violence sometimes arrives without reason, warning or narrative closure. 4. 'Don't Breathe' (2016)
Don't Breathe flips the typical home invasion structure by making the intruders the ones who are hunted. A trio of petty thieves break into the house of a blind veteran, believing him defenceless, only to discover he is anything but. The film is a lesson in misjudgment—about underestimating physical disability, overestimating your own control and misreading silence as weakness.
It also challenges audience sympathy. As secrets unfold, the line between perpetrator and victim becomes increasingly murky, reminding us that proximity to violence often reveals more about character than circumstance. 5. 'When a Stranger Calls' (1979)
This film famously opens with a long sequence involving a babysitter receiving anonymous phone calls that escalate into stalking and, eventually, a violent reveal: the caller is already inside the house. While it evolves into a different kind of psychological thriller, the first act remains a defining moment in the genre. It highlights how easily early warning signs—unsettling behaviour, unexplained sounds, intuition—are dismissed.
The lesson here isn't about building better locks; it's about taking unease seriously before it hardens into a threat. The call might be coming from inside the house, but the denial started long before that. 6. 'The Last House on the Left' (1972)
Wes Craven's controversial debut confronts the viewer with a deeply uncomfortable truth: revenge is not catharsis. After a pair of teenagers are brutalised by strangers, the attackers unknowingly take refuge in the home of one of the victims' parents. What follows is retaliation, not justice.
The violence escalates, but the emotional damage is never resolved—it multiplies. Craven's message is that home invasion doesn't just displace safety; it disrupts ethics. The instinct to protect one's home can curdle into something equally destructive, especially when filtered through grief and rage. 7. 'Fear' (1996)
Fear isn't a typical home invasion film—it begins as a romance. Mark Wahlberg's character is introduced as the boyfriend, not the villain, and is initially welcomed into the family. But as possessiveness morphs into obsession, he begins asserting control not just over his girlfriend but over the household itself.
The film's climax, involving a siege on the suburban family home, is the logical end to a series of ignored red flags. It's a reminder that danger doesn't always knock; it can sometimes charm its way in. In a culture that equates attention with affection, Fear quietly asks: how do you protect a home from someone you invited in?
Across all seven films, home invasion is more than a plot device, but also a reflection of anxieties about wealth, privacy, power and the limits between public threat and private life. Whether through force or psychological manipulation, the home's safety is constantly questioned. The genre lasts because it challenges assumptions that locks protect, love is safe and threats are obvious. In reality, home invasion takes many forms, and the most dangerous often begin with a false sense of security.
READ MORE
Your safety checklist: Here's what to remember for in-flight emergencies
5 iconic hotels in film: Where architecture becomes the star
8 spine-chilling must-watch Korean movies
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Valuable lessons on security from 7 home invasion movies
2. 'Us' (2019) In Us , Jordan Peele reframes the home invasion not as a random attack, but as a confrontation with buried truths. The intruders are literal copies of the protagonists—people who have been living underground while others enjoyed the surface. By staging the attack in a coastal holiday home, Peele critiques the illusion of retreat and privilege. The Wilsons, like many middle-class families, believe they've earned safety through consumption and distance. Us suggests this comfort comes at a cost—and that what has been repressed, socially or psychologically, will eventually demand its reckoning. 3. 'The Strangers' (2008) Bryan Bertino's The Strangers remains one of the bleakest entries in the home invasion canon because it offers no clear motive, no redemption arc and no heroic escape. A young couple is terrorised in their rural family home simply because, as one of the masked assailants says, 'you were home'. This randomness is what makes the film so disturbing—it strips away any sense of moral cause and effect. It's a rare film that underscores the idea that no matter how careful or secluded you are, violence sometimes arrives without reason, warning or narrative closure. 4. 'Don't Breathe' (2016) Don't Breathe flips the typical home invasion structure by making the intruders the ones who are hunted. A trio of petty thieves break into the house of a blind veteran, believing him defenceless, only to discover he is anything but. The film is a lesson in misjudgment—about underestimating physical disability, overestimating your own control and misreading silence as weakness. It also challenges audience sympathy. As secrets unfold, the line between perpetrator and victim becomes increasingly murky, reminding us that proximity to violence often reveals more about character than circumstance. 5. 'When a Stranger Calls' (1979) This film famously opens with a long sequence involving a babysitter receiving anonymous phone calls that escalate into stalking and, eventually, a violent reveal: the caller is already inside the house. While it evolves into a different kind of psychological thriller, the first act remains a defining moment in the genre. It highlights how easily early warning signs—unsettling behaviour, unexplained sounds, intuition—are dismissed. The lesson here isn't about building better locks; it's about taking unease seriously before it hardens into a threat. The call might be coming from inside the house, but the denial started long before that. 6. 'The Last House on the Left' (1972) Wes Craven's controversial debut confronts the viewer with a deeply uncomfortable truth: revenge is not catharsis. After a pair of teenagers are brutalised by strangers, the attackers unknowingly take refuge in the home of one of the victims' parents. What follows is retaliation, not justice. The violence escalates, but the emotional damage is never resolved—it multiplies. Craven's message is that home invasion doesn't just displace safety; it disrupts ethics. The instinct to protect one's home can curdle into something equally destructive, especially when filtered through grief and rage. 7. 'Fear' (1996) Fear isn't a typical home invasion film—it begins as a romance. Mark Wahlberg's character is introduced as the boyfriend, not the villain, and is initially welcomed into the family. But as possessiveness morphs into obsession, he begins asserting control not just over his girlfriend but over the household itself. The film's climax, involving a siege on the suburban family home, is the logical end to a series of ignored red flags. It's a reminder that danger doesn't always knock; it can sometimes charm its way in. In a culture that equates attention with affection, Fear quietly asks: how do you protect a home from someone you invited in? Across all seven films, home invasion is more than a plot device, but also a reflection of anxieties about wealth, privacy, power and the limits between public threat and private life. Whether through force or psychological manipulation, the home's safety is constantly questioned. The genre lasts because it challenges assumptions that locks protect, love is safe and threats are obvious. In reality, home invasion takes many forms, and the most dangerous often begin with a false sense of security. READ MORE Your safety checklist: Here's what to remember for in-flight emergencies 5 iconic hotels in film: Where architecture becomes the star 8 spine-chilling must-watch Korean movies
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Hyrox racing: The brutal, beautiful fitness race that's taking over the world (and Asia's elite gyms)
Hyrox racing in Asia Once dominated by European and North American cities, the Hyrox circuit now counts Asia among its fastest-growing territories. Manila The Philippine capital has emerged as a rising Hyrox hub. , with Hyrox Philippines holding its first competition in May 2024, with another set for October 2025. Singapore Always ahead of the curve, Singapore embraced Hyrox with unofficial races at studios like Field Assembly and Fitness Bravo. The first official Hyrox Singapore event took place in October 2023; another is scheduled for September 2025. For time-conscious Singaporeans, the sport's precision and structure are a perfect match—plus, there's a smoothie bar waiting at the finish line. Bangkok Bangkok's fitness scene is led by Base, where Hyrox-style group classes are taught under neon lights and thumping music. It's nightlife meets high-intensity interval training. Hyrox Thailand hosted its first official race in January 2024, with another slated for January 2025. See more: The most stylish fitness studios in Singapore for yoga, pole dance and spin classes in gorgeous interiors Why are people Hyrox-hooked? Hyrox scratches a uniquely modern itch: the urge to quantify progress. With its global format, athletes can compare times across cities and continents. It's competitive, but also communal—bonded by shared effort and mutual respect. At training studios across Southeast Asia, Hyrox athletes defy stereotype. Gen Z beginners, busy professionals, and 40-something parents all share the same arena. Athleisure ranges from local labels like Thailand's V Activewear and the Philippines' Recess, to familiar names like Lululemon and Garmin. Hydration is now high fashion—electrolyte packets have replaced green juice—and race talk flows from paces and splits to weekend getaways in Seoul or Sydney. Hyrox is more than a fitness trend. It's becoming a lifestyle, much like running or cycling. Hyrox pros and cons Let's start with the good. HYROX racing is gloriously quantifiable. Every second counts, making progress feel tangible. For data-driven types, this is fitness you can track, chart and flex about. The event also cultivates a unique camaraderie: you're racing with and against others, bonded by the shared grind. Add to that functional movements that build real-world strength—think sled pushes and sandbag carries—and it's more than a workout; it's athleticism with purpose. You get to travel There's also the wanderlust factor. With races held everywhere from Dubai to Seoul, HYROX racing is becoming the global athlete's playground—a circuit where you can train hard and travel harder. High intensity But it's not for the faint of heart. The format is intense, and the risk of injury is real, especially without good form or guidance. Sled pulls and burpee broad jumps aren't forgiving. Then there's the cost: races typically run US$85 to US$110, plus travel, gear and gym memberships—fitness at a first-class price. And while leaderboards can motivate, they can also tip into obsession. For some, it's less about health and more about hustle. In that case, what started as wellness can quickly become another source of stress. What experts say While long-term studies on Hyrox specifically remain limited, sports scientists are intrigued. A 2023 review in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests hybrid races like Hyrox 'bridge a unique physiological gap' between strength and endurance disciplines, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risks when scaled appropriately. Experts caution that the intensity can overtax the body, especially for recreational athletes. Recovery and coaching remain key. But with the proper guardrails in place, Hyrox remains a viable and attractive alternative to traditional workouts. In an era of filtered wellness, Hyrox stands out as something real—a challenge you can feel, measure and conquer, one rep at a time.
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Tatler Asia
8 famous stars who built and sold high-value celebrity brands
2. George Clooney and Casamigos Tequila George Clooney co-founded Casamigos Tequila in 2013 with Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, initially intended for personal use among friends. The brand emphasised smoothness and quality, gaining popularity through word-of-mouth and Clooney's celebrity influence. By 2017, Diageo acquired Casamigos for US$1 billion, paying US$700 million upfront and up to US$300 million in performance-based incentives. The acquisition marked one of the largest deals in the spirits industry. The sale only did great things for Casamigos, which continues to thrive under Diageo, maintaining its premium positioning in the tequila market. See more: How celebrities are raising the bar in the spirits industry 3. Jessica Alba and The Honest Company This was honestly one of the earliest celebrity brands to make a killing. Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company in 2011, aiming to provide eco-friendly and non-toxic household and baby products. Alba's vision was driven by a desire for safer products for families, and the brand quickly gained traction among health-conscious consumers. The Honest Company went public in May 2021, achieving a valuation of US$1.4 billion. Alba's stake in the company was valued at approximately US$120 million at the time of the IPO. In 2024, Alba stepped down as chief creative officer but remains a member of the company's board of directors. The Honest Company continues to expand its product offerings and retail presence, focusing on transparency and sustainability. 4. Dr Dre and Beats by Dre In 2006, hip-hop mogul Dr Dre teamed up with music executive Jimmy Iovine to create Beats by Dre, an audio brand that would redefine celebrity brands, celebrity-endorsed tech and consumer sound culture. The motivation: while Apple had its white earbuds, Iovine wanted Beats to feel like speakers for your ears. The duo set out to build stylish, bass-boosted headphones that reflected Dre's music pedigree and brought studio-level sound to the average listener. Beats became a full-blown cultural phenomenon. With sleek, oversized designs and aggressive celebrity marketing, Beats became synonymous with cool. From NBA stars to pop idols, everyone wore them. Strategic product placement (see the 2012 Olympics ads) and partnerships with artists like Lady Gaga and LeBron James cemented Beats as the must-have accessory. In 2014, Apple acquired Beats for a jaw-dropping US$3 billion, making it Apple's largest acquisition to date. Dr Dre famously (and prematurely) celebrated the deal on social media, calling himself 'the first billionaire in hip-hop'. While the final valuation post-deductions was reportedly slightly under the US$1 billion net worth mark for Dre, the acquisition was still historic, both in its scale and in what it said about the convergence of music, tech and personal branding. Beats has since been integrated into Apple's hardware ecosystem, influencing the design and sound profile of Apple's AirPods and other audio products. While the Beats brand still exists under Apple, it's shifted toward a sleeker, more minimalist design ethos. 5. Kylie Jenner and Kylie Cosmetics The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenners turned her makeup and fashion tips into celebrity brands, starting with Kylie Cosmetics. Kylie Jenner launched her beauty makeup line in 2015 with the release of the Kylie Lip Kit, leveraging her massive social media following to drive sales. The brand quickly expanded its product catalogue and became a significant player in the beauty industry. In 2019, Coty Inc acquired a 51 per cent stake in Kylie Cosmetics for US$600 million, valuing the company at approximately US$1.2 billion. Jenner retained a 49 per cent stake and continued to be involved in product development and marketing. Kylie Cosmetics has expanded its global presence, with products available in various international markets and continued product innovation. 6. Ryan Reynolds and Aviation American Gin Aviation American Gin was founded in 2006 in Portland, Oregon, by distillers Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian. In 2018, actor Ryan Reynolds officially acquired a significant ownership stake in the brand, becoming its creative director. Reynolds aimed to bring a fresh perspective to the gin industry, focusing on quality and unique branding. Reynolds then utilised his celebrity status and marketing acumen to elevate Aviation Gin's profile. He produced a series of humorous and viral advertisements that resonated with a broad audience, effectively distinguishing the brand in a competitive market. Under his influence, Aviation Gin's sales increased significantly, with a reported 100 per cent growth in 2019. One year later, in August 2020, Diageo acquired Aviation American Gin as part of a deal valued up to US$610 million. The agreement included an initial payment of US$335 million, with an additional US$275 million contingent on the brand's performance over the next decade. Reynolds retained an ongoing ownership interest and continues to be involved in the brand's marketing efforts. Despite the shift in ownership, Reynolds remains the public face of the brand, contributing to its ongoing popularity and market presence. 7. Ryan Reynolds and Mint Mobile Ryan Reynolds sure knows how to flip celebrity brands into millions. In 2019, the Deadpool actor acquired an ownership stake in Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless carrier. Similar to what he did with Aviation Gin, Reynolds infused the brand with his signature wit, creating viral advertisements. His authentic and engaging marketing approach helped Mint Mobile stand out in a crowded telecom market. In March 2023, T-Mobile announced its acquisition of Mint Mobile's parent company, Ka'ena Corporation, in a deal valued at up to US$1.35 billion. Reynolds, holding an estimated 25 per cent stake, reportedly earned around US$300 million from the sale. With his marketing agency Maximum Effort, he continues to play a creative role in the company's marketing efforts post-acquisition. 8. Kim Kardashian and KKW Beauty Kim Kardashian launched KKW Beauty in 2017, capitalising on her personal brand and social media influence. The brand offered a range of cosmetics, including contour kits that mirrored Kardashian's signature look. In 2020, Coty Inc acquired a 20 per cent stake in KKW Beauty for US$200 million, valuing the company at US$1 billion. However, Kardashian rebranded her beauty brand to skincare with SKKN by Kim by 2022. In March 2025, Kardashian's SKIMS company acquired 100 per cent of SKKN, edging Coty out.
