“The Uninvited”

Set within the confines of a palatial Hollywood Hills home, “The Uninvited” presents a captivating exploration of female issues, including the delicate act of balancing motherhood with a career, aging, and the relentless pressures of society’s impossible beauty standards. In her thought-provoking debut feature, writer / director Nadia Conners crafts a sharp and clever story that unfolds against the backdrop of a fancy party with a few surprise guests that’ll have you asking who — or what — is the uninvited?

Actress Rose (Elizabeth Reaser) and her agent husband Sammy (Walton Goggins) enjoy a idyllic life with their son (Roland Rubio), and tonight they’re hosting a swanky party for a group of friends and colleagues. Rose wants everything to be perfect, and she is stressed as she juggles a massive list of preparations. Distractions abound, especially with the unexpected arrival of Helen (Lois Smith), a confused elderly woman who seems to have intimate knowledge of the house and its guests, as well as an ingénue named Delia (Eva De Dominici), one of Sammy’s most important clients (Rufus Sewell), and Rose’s former flame, Lucien (Pedro Pascal). This menagerie of guests sets off a chain of events that forces Rose to confront her past, future, and desire for change.  

Conners has composed an interesting and profound statement on the entertainment industry, especially when things come to a head between Rose and Delia. The younger actress admits she’s taking over the role that Rose originated, with Lucien keeping his part in the film. The characters are well-to-do industry types, but thankfully they are the not annoying, stereotypical, fake, self-absorbed people that you’d expect. It helps that these are folks you actually like, which makes their superficial problems become somehow relatable.    

One of the film’s strengths lies in its nuanced script, filled with small details and subtle metaphors about aging and the passage of time. Conners gives a glimpse into the complexities of womanhood, where gender expectations and dynamics are at play. The film features three generations of women, and their struggles are all so similar.    

While originally conceived as a stage play, the transition to the screen is seamless, with Conners using the singular setting to her advantage. The casual vibe coupled with appropriate pacing works well, even if the film does stumble slightly with its ending.

Despite leaving viewers with a feeling of frustration, “The Uninvited” keeps the door open with plenty of room for interpretation, which is refreshing.

By: Louisa Moore