The Intruder

Thoroughly enjoyed this, did not come on my radar until my mom told me to watch it as she'd enjoyed it so much. Watching on a dark cold January morning on my own probably wasn't the most sensible thing to do as the atmosphere and tension that this film builds was scary to say the least! I really loved the acting, it felt so natural and as the pace is slower that other movies of the same genre, it felt like we could get to know the characters a lot better. I am so pleased I found this and hope others enjoy too. The clever mix of paranoia and anxiety built up a truly tense and fearful environment surrounding such a lovely community. Very well executed.

This film had me questioning it from the moment, the intrusive neighbor came over. The neighbor's behavior and dialogue made no sense at all and was odd at times to say the least. People simply don't behave like this. Next - the acting was atrocious as it relates to Joe, the neighbor. The guy who played the main character was believable as far as acting is concerned but the neighbor was horrible and his ridiculous dialogue didn't help at all. The storyline had major plot holes that would have to force the viewer to suspend belief because people with common sense would not do some of the things that the main character was doing. I often wondered, while watching; if the character was supposed to be seen as or portrayed as mentally challenged due to some of his decisions. Even now, I'm not really sure. All I can say is that this film had no real resolution or likeable characters except maybe the sister. This film had an interesting premise but the execution was horrendous...

One of those B-grade films, but not too horrible and amusing enough! The writer and director Jack Brame is clearly better at directing than writing! The script is the weakest link, and acting runs very much next to it in incompetence. The plot was basic, with minimal distractions, and it revolved around a young man's paranoia, which spiralled when he became sure that someone was stealing into his home every night. There are too many inconsistencies in the entire plot, so I'll avoid winging it... just watch it with plenty of popcorn and soft drinks and let me know what you think after watching it!

I like the main character here and I thought David Gow did as much as he could with the script he was given. I had problems with several of the "red herrings" that appeared to make no sense (the sleepwalking, the insistence of not calling the police). I am interested to know why the director-writer deliberately avoids establishing the main character as Gay. The subtext is there. We don't have any reasons for the main character's angst. A separation or ending of a long term relationship would have given far more motivation for his personal anxieties. It is still worth a watch and good example of what you can do on a very small budget.

The acting wasn't great. Steve McNair who plays Joe in particular was very annoying.

Some pretentious if not bizzare dialogue choices.

It is a film that peaks your interest enough to see it through. You know before the halfway line the ending is going to be a disappointment. But you keep going.

There was no real conclusion in that there is no "why" explained let alone really the who. It's as if the writer could not be bothered to come up with a proactive conclusion. It leaves the whole movie with little purpose.

Not the worst film you'll see, but you're gonna say " what the hell?" At the end.