The Uninvited

In stylish but pretentiously artsy drama "The Uninvited" Hollywood agent Walton Goggins (always good) & ex-actress wife Elizabeth Reaser (outstanding) host a party for guests including actors Pedro Pascal (Reaser's first love who supposedly oozes charm - tho Pascal doesn't convey that) & Goggins' main client Rufus Sewell (with actress gf Eva Di Dominici). As domestic issues unfold (particularly between Goggins & Reaser) elderly Lois Smith pitches up with her dementia apparently convincing her she lives there. What writer / director Nadia Conners intended with it all in her second film is unclear even after the credits roll. It's quite nice to look at, but ultimately meh.

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.

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.

I watched The Uninvited. At the Odeon last night and was genuinely moved by it. The film had the emotional depth and intimacy of a stage play - relatable, at times uncomfortably so, yet also beautiful, thought-provoking, funny and emotionally rich .

The performances were strong across the board, pulling me into the story completely. I laughed, I cried - it was one of those rare films that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I especially appreciated the visual effect and setting of the scenes with the orange tree - beautifully done, both symbolically and cinematically. They added a sense of quiet magic to the film that balanced its heavier themes.

A good production and a truly moving piece. I'd absolutely recommend it - and would gladly watch it again.

This film was not what I was expecting. I walked into a comedy and left with my heart in a thousand pieces. Not many films have moved me to tears on that many levels - it was a balanced exchange of wit and woe. Despite being set in the Hollywood Hills, the tensions and conflicts, especially around identify and relationships will resonate deeply with many.

The nuances in the storytelling leave you with a lot to unpack and it's one of those films you could see multiple times and still find something new and revealing about the characters. Elizabeth Reaser (Rose) and Lois Smith (Helen) are brillant in bringing to life two women with shared experiences of loss and of being lost.

It will stay with me for a while this one.