The Review (Spoiler Free)
“Intruders,” also known as “Shut In” and “Deadly Home,” is a 2015 American horror thriller that takes a unique spin on the home invasion genre. Directed by Adam Schindler and written by T.J. Cimfel and David K. White, the film stars Beth Riesgraf, Martin Starr, Jack Kesy, and Rory Culkin. With a modest budget of $1.6 million, the film was released at the LA Film Festival in July 2015 and later in the United States in January 2016.
The plot centers around Anna, portrayed by Beth Riesgraf, who suffers from severe agoraphobia and has not left her childhood home in the ten years since her father’s death. Her condition is so extreme that she cannot even step outside to attend her brother’s funeral. This sets the stage for a trio of burglars who, under the false assumption that the house will be empty, break in to search for rumored hidden wealth. What follows is a tense and claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game that turns the tables on the intruders as they discover that Anna’s home is more than it seems.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to subvert expectations. Initially presenting Anna as a helpless victim, “Intruders” gradually reveals her to be a formidable opponent with a few tricks up her sleeve. The narrative twist that the house is equipped to deal with unwanted guests elevates the tension, transforming a conventional thriller into something more unpredictable and engaging.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Critics have pointed out that the third act fails to live up to the intriguing setup, lacking the additional clever twists that could have taken the story to new heights. Despite this, Schindler’s direction is praised for its lively execution, capable of engaging genre fans, primarily through home formats.
The performances, particularly by Riesgraf, are commendable, with her portrayal of Anna’s complex psychological state being a highlight. The supporting cast, including Culkin’s sympathetic delivery guy and Starr’s menacing burglar, add depth to the film’s tense atmosphere.
“Intruders” may not redefine the horror thriller genre, but it offers a solid and entertaining experience for viewers looking for suspense and a fresh take on familiar tropes. Its exploration of agoraphobia and the concept of the home as both a sanctuary and a prison provides a thought-provoking undercurrent to the thrills on display.
For those interested in a suspenseful night in, “Intruders” is a worthy addition to the home invasion canon, offering enough twists and turns to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While it may not achieve the cult status of some of its peers, it stands as a competent and enjoyable film that demonstrates the potential of low-budget thrillers to surprise and captivate.
Spoiler Ending (Spoiler Warning!)
The movie unveils several surprises. The first is that the protagonist, Anna, suffers from agoraphobia and cannot leave her house, a fact not immediately disclosed. We know Anna hasn’t left her home in a long time, but the reason remains unclear until it’s revealed that her condition prevented her from attending her brother’s funeral.
Anna’s struggle with agoraphobia becomes apparent when three intruders break into her house. Knowing she cannot flee adds a layer of intrigue, as escape is not an option.
The most shocking revelation is Anna’s dark history. It’s later discovered that she and her brother have been abducting people and murdering them in their basement, which they’ve converted into a sophisticated trap controlled by a deceptively simple remote. This raises questions about the plausibility of controlling an entire house with a single switch.
It’s revealed that Anna and her brother targeted rapists and abusers, torturing and ultimately killing them, believing they were serving justice.
The final twist occurs when Anna, after eliminating the intruders, sets her house ablaze and steps outside, challenging the viewer’s perception of her agoraphobia. Was it genuine, or an act? A poignant conversation with her dying brother reveals his last wish for her to live fully posthumously, suggesting Anna’s final act was in honor of his desire.
In the Nutshell
Intruders is home invasion horror with a twist. It’s not perfect but it is entertaining. [4 out of 5 stars]
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Genre: Home Invasion
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Entertaining Movie, I liked the unknown and the twists without all of the gore and jumping out at you moments. No nudity and sexual assaults were refreshing.