The Uninvited (29/03/09) [Archive]

The Uninvited (2009)

Directors - Charles Guard & Thomas Guard
Starring - Emily Browning & Arielle Kebbel

3.5 stars

I was pretty impressed with this. It successfully separates itself from the group of cliche' horror films by not only having thriller elements, but also basing itself on a pretty solid, decent and captivating storyline. Just when you think it's going down the same path, it fools everyone by doing a full u-turn as everyone straps themselves in for the ride.

Like most movies of the genre, it is in fact a remake directed by The Guard Brothers. This is there first ever film and although the story was spoon fed to them I think they did a pretty damn good job.

It stars young Australian Emily Browning as Anna, who is returning home after a year in a mental hospital after the tragic death of her mother. When she reunites with her older sister Alex they put their heads together to discover that there mum's nurse Rachel, now their father’s new lover, is responsible for the accident. The pair goes about trying to uncover Rachel's secret but all the while they must try to ensure that they aren't her next victims.

As expected, The Uninvited provides some pretty creepy, thrilling moments that get's the blood pumping. In most horror films this is about the extent of the entertainment. Cheap thrills, adrenalin rush and a bit of a fright will often give movies of this genre the tick of approval. This is where The Uninvited jumps away from the group. Although these moments are still evident and effective throughout the story, there is an element of mystery that controls the plot. The finale will certainly have you open-mouthed and put your brain into overload as you try to take in everything that has happened for the last 90 mintues.

The aftermath of it had a real Saw feel to it for me. I'm not saying it is in the same category of brilliance, but walking out of the cinema had my recapping every moment and putting together all the pieces of the puzzle. I had to talk about it with Winga afterwards because we just in awe of the ending.

If you like horror movies you MUST see this. Not the scariest movie going around and I can guarantee you a good night's sleep afterwards, but you will definitely appreciate the story line as a whole while still getting your adrenaline kicks along the way!