The Uninvited (2024) - Film Review

      **The Uninvited, 2024**

      **Written and Directed by Nadia Conners**

      **Cast:** Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Lois Smith, Eva De Dominici, Rufus Sewell, Pedro Pascal, Michael Panes, Kate Comer, Roland Rubio, Annie Korzen, and Bobby Burkich.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      An unexpected guest interrupts a party, leading to a chain of comedic mishaps and a reevaluation of life. As theater actress Rose (Elizabeth Reaser) and talent agent Sammy (Walton Goggins) prepare to host various Hollywood elites in their sprawling residence, an elderly woman named Helen (Lois Smith) arrives at the gate, claiming she belongs there and is searching for her husband. Nadia Conners’ *The Uninvited* paints a picture of the already troubled marriage of Rose and Sammy, who engage in sharp exchanges and hold opposing views on how to manage the situation. For Sammy, the stakes are high for his career; everything must proceed flawlessly, even if that means suppressing his anger and suggesting they call emergency services to handle Helen. Fortunately, Rose shows more compassion regarding the predicament.

      Elizabeth Reaser and Walton Goggins perfectly embody the couple's marital discord, portraying partners who seem to loathe each other yet remain together for their young child, capable of reigniting their passion at any moment. Rose begins to feel alienated among their guests, facing repeated auditions where she is deemed too old for roles, including that of a mother to a six-year-old boy, despite actually being one. The film offers sharp yet subtle critiques of the entertainment industry.

      The couple decides that Rose will stay behind in their home while attending to Helen's needs and searching for someone to help her, while the party continues outdoors. There are early signs that the film might treat Helen’s apparent dementia lightly, particularly when she accidentally breaks the bathroom doorknob and becomes trapped, necessitating Sammy's intervention through a window. It’s evident to everyone except this couple that Helen once lived in their house, as her comments suggest.

      *The Uninvited* skillfully uses the dynamics between Helen and the couple to generate conflict and enhance discussions around aging and the essence of a fulfilling life. However, the drama escalates significantly when Hollywood star Lucian (Pedro Pascal, perfectly cast for his role as a potential relationship wrecker) arrives, surprising Rose, who thought Sammy was still resentful about their prior relationship during a popular stage production.

      While *The Uninvited* offers valuable insights, it can also feel tedious, featuring overly extended dialogues that delve into character backstories, revealing similarities among them. It becomes frustrating that, until about an hour in, the significance of the party to Sammy remains vague. Some understanding does emerge when conversing with a blockbuster filmmaker (Rufus Sewell) interested in adapting the play Rose and Lucian starred in together. The film critiques industry practices that allow Lucian to reprise his role while sidelining Rose in favor of a younger co-star.

      More puzzling is that Nadia Conners seemingly fails to determine how the characters should interact with Helen, who at one point wanders off and drives away, despite Rose being responsible for her care until help arrives. Helen comes across more as a symbolic figure than as a character with depth, making it easy to set her aside for the narrative focus to shift elsewhere. Audience reactions may vary significantly on this aspect.

      By the time *The Uninvited* reaches its emotional climax, which involves a children's story serving as a metaphor for the film’s explored themes, it feels unearned. While its commentary on Hollywood is sharp, it lacks engagement and incisiveness. Lengthy segments of the film drag as viewers await the conclusion. The talented cast does their best to elevate the story, but the direction lacks vitality and momentum.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder is affiliated with the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He also serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow him on BlueSky or Letterboxd.