The Uninvited

I can see why many already famous actors would want to be part of this movie. A balanced comedy drama; uses a Hollywood environment to set up a surprisingly great movie. The script is so well distilled that manages to be dense while feeling familiar, no matter your circumstances. Lois Smith is a total blast ... just think of it, as she seems to be 95 years old; she is one of probably two main characters in this movie, and she takes you for a ride ... you don't know what to expect from her! Her body language is so expressive ... her state of mind may switch from gone to utterly present in a nanosecond. Elizabeth is brilliant as well; as she understands and embraces this strange presence while balancing her myriad or roles as host / wife / mother and coach. Three well recognizable male actors play roles most men can identify with ... the worried husband, the creative / God like ... the non vibant ... no time to feel, etc. Loved every character in this movie; which is a way of saying that writer / director is unusually talented.

I'm conflicted about how to rate the Uninvited. The movie looks great and the central hook of the elderly, confused woman arriving just as an important party begins is compelling. I enjoyed all the actors. Being a woman in my 40s myself, I appreciate a story about juggling relationships, children, aging and career and there should be more of these movies out there. There are some funny lines and moments. But there were also some moments which just did not make sense in the world of the story, and dialogue that does not sound like words that real people would ever utter. When she was laying out the eggs - was it Easter? I might have missed it. I found the story about the fish and the star a bit labourous. And the ending - how those people reacted feels so far from anything naturalistic. I could see if it was on stage, where it could be read more as a parable, it could have been far more successful.

Rose" (Elizabeth Reaser) is married to talent agent "Sammy" (Walton Goggins) and they are preparing for a make-or-break party at their home one evening when the sound of a repetitious car horn sends her out to investigate. That's when she meets "Helen" (Lois Smith). She's an elderly lady convinced that she lives in their house, and when "Rose" takes her in whilst trying to summon some help her presence seems to galvanise her family and their guests into a series of revealingly uninteresting and cocaine-induced home truths that drags the whole thing into the doldrums of a melodrama populated by some seriously mediocre actors adequately reflected by the presence of Rufus Sewell! Actually, any scene stealing probably just belongs to a toilet doorknob, to Smith and to an enthusiastic effort from Roland Rubio as their son "Wilder". Otherwise it's really just a collection of who cares people that engender very little interest in their self-induced and/or self-serving problems. Stereotypes galore, sorry!

I really enjoyed this sensitive intelligent film with its insightful script of adults trying to understand themselves and their complicated lives. Set in a beautiful Hollywood Hills home the characters are complex as they struggle with how to treat each other and their own vulnerabilities. An elderly stranger arrives whose wisdom slowly unfolds as the well acted party guests gradually reveal their truer selves. All of the actors are excellent in their roles. Walton Goggins and Pedro Pascal are interesting as their divergent characters. The setting and scenes all take place at the home and could be a superb Broadway play as well.

Beautifully written and acted. Every detail is perfect. Truly amazing performances by every actor. Lois Smith gives an Academy award worthy performance and steals the show. Walter Goggins is uncomfortable and anxious and funny and lovable all at the same time. This is one of the best performances I've seen from Pedro Pascal. I love him in everything, but this role felt so natural for him. I felt every moment of Elizabeth Reaser's pain annd moments of joy. All of the characters are complex and intriguing. The story has many surprises in what appears to be a straightforward movie about a party. I cried and laughed and wished it was longer. We are not.