Strangers Within

This is an increasingly compelling home invasion chiller concerning a group of high-class daughters left alone and at the mercy of an unruly group of guests. The performances vary, my favourite - and most convincing - characters being Sam (Elana Di Troya), Toby (Flynn Horne) and Josh (Owen Bleach).

A low budgeted production, this isn't particularly polished or sophisticated, but the money is spent wisely and used where it counts. There are some effective moments, for example, Ella's fate is particularly gruesome. Iain Mahanty's music is also very effective.

Although there may be pacing problems in the mid section, a good selection of twists and revelations keep the interest and these only increase toward the satisfying finale. I had a great time with this; my score is 8 out of 10.

I'll be honest; I was going to turn this movie off several times throughout my viewing. The acting is atrocious from most of the cast; the females were all untalented and lame, and the males were not much better. The promising beginning devolved into too much talking and a slow unfolding of events. The acting was actually getting worse, and I just didn't care about anyone or what would eventually happen to them. (In Movie Time: 0;00-0;35)

Then, something happened. The bad guys were introduced, the power was cut in the house. Then the crap hit the fan. The special effects budget was thoughtfully considered, as some of the deaths were brutal and graphic as all get out. Surprisingly, some of the actors seem to have gained some talent under stress, and things just took a turn for the better. The movie actually got my attention. (In Movie Time: 0;35-1;15)

Then we get to the final act, and oh, boy, do things get wickedly disturbing. Once you realize why everything was set in motion, you will be scrambling to pick your jaw up from the floor. For a cheaply made film, the last act really is the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters. Truly, one of the best final third of a film I have seen in recent memory. (1;15-END)

Overall, aside from some talent-less acting, some poor cinematography and some questionable directorial choices, this movie proved that even with bad actors, you can yield a decent film if your script is good enough. Not a remarkable film, by any means, and many of you will turn it off within the first 20 minutes (and I wouldn't blame you), but for those that stick with it, you might actually come out a bit impressed.

Well I did enjoy this despite one or two shortcomings. Knows how to create suspense but he is not an "Actors director" for example Dad comes across as a cartoon version of a cockney Geezer out of an episode of Minder. But in spite of some really rather dodgy performances the tale unfolds with mystery and tension. so 6 or 7/10