The Uninvited
Reviews
Wuchak
***Haunting mysteries on the coast of Maine with Emily Browning and Elizabeth Banks*** After her mother dies in a tragedy, a teen girl (Emily Browning) is sent to a mental hospital. Upon returning to her father’s mansion on the coast of Maine, she reunites with her older sister (Arielle Kebbel) and tries to get along with her dad’s new girlfriend (Elizabeth Banks), her mother’s former nurse, who appears to be taking over. David Strathairn plays the father, a successful author. “The Uninvited” (2009) is a mystery/horror that combines elements of “The Sixth Sense” (1999), “Half Light” (2006) and “The Ring” (2002), although it’s a little more subdued than the latter. If you like the haunting tone of those movies and the spectacular locations of the latter two, you’ll appreciate it. Browning with her ultra-cute face was 20 during filming, but looks 14. Meanwhile Banks is effective as the biyatch gold-digger and Strathairn is convincing as the clueless father. The story plays out in a too-predicable manner. If you saw the trailer beforehand it basically tells you everything you need to know. But not really: The last 15 minutes pulls the rug out with some surprising revelations. I heard there was a twist before viewing and went over various possibilities in my mind while watching, but the movie fooled me. Great job on this front. Not everything is as it appears. I’d say more, but I don’t want to spoil it. My relatively high rating is due to the lingering power of the film's message on individual perception. It's potent and applicable stuff, expertly executed. The film doesn’t overstay its welcome at a mere 1 hour, 27 minutes. It wasn’t shot in the Northeast, however, but obviously British Columbia (Bowen Island). It’s an American remake of the Korean film “A Tale of Two Sisters” (2003). GRADE: B+/A-
John Chard
We survive by remembering. But sometimes we survive by forgetting. The Uninvited is directed by The Guard Brothers and written by Craig Rosenberg, Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard. It stars Emily Browning, Elizabeth Banks, Arielle Kebbel and David Strathairn. Music is by Christopher Young and cinematography by Daniel Landin. A remake of Korean film "A Tale of Two Sisters", plot finds Anna (Browning) released from a psychiatric institution, she was placed in there following a suicide attempt when her terminally mother died in a boathouse fire. Once home she begins to encounter bad dreams and supernatural visions... It was yet another American remake of an Asian horror film, at a time when doing so was in vogue, unfortunately this is one of the weakest of the bunch. Not exactly terrible, it's just so unoriginal and devoid of any suspense or chiiling atmosphere. In fact it feels more like a murder mystery piece but with a couple of spook scenes inserted into the narrative. Pic is predominantly saved by the finale, where the story unravels with some genuine surprises. Cast are all fine in perfs, even if Strathairn is utterly wasted in his under written role. 5/10
JPV852
Okay psychological thriller featuring a fine performance by Emily Browning. This is one I saw back in '09 and pretty much feel the same way I did back then. Nothing great but worth checking out I suppose. **3.0/5**
CinemaSerf
Hmmm. There isn't really much worth saying about this truly mediocre horror effort. "Anna" (Emily Browning) is having a torrid time after her mother died in a fire. Having tried suicide, she is placed in an institution from where, after ten long months, she is released back into the care of her father. "Steven" (David Strathairn) is pretty ill-equipped to deal with this young woman, and things are not helped by the fact that in the intervening months, he has married her late mum's former nurse "Rachel" (Elizabeth Banks). It's fair to say that this new step-mother/daughter relationship isn't a rip-roaring success, and after a while "Anna" and her sister "Alex" (Arielle Kebbel) begin to suspect that perhaps their mother's death may not have been as accidental as everyone thought. The former girl's beliefs being fuelled by what she thinks are beyond-the-grave visitations from their wronged mother. This film presents a sort of clunky amalgam of detective story and mystic horror with a fair degree of family melodrama thrown in. The acting is very by-the-numbers and there is way too much wordy dialogue and nowhere near enough by way of menace before an ending that isn't quite what I was expecting. Somehow, though, I was expecting that! There had to be something a little quirky about this otherwise procedural affair, else why bother to adapt it from the original Korean "Tale of Two Sisters" (2003)? It's reasonably well produced, the effects are adequate and it has a pace that keeps it from stalling, but it really could have been doing with a bit more emphasis on the characterisations and a darker, more sinister execution of the plot.
Movie Recommendation
The Lodger2009-01-14Follows a seasoned detective on the trail of a ruthless killer intent on slaughtering prostitutes along West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. It appears that the murderer's grisly methods are identical to that of London's infamous 19th century psychopath Jack the Ripper – a relentless serial killer who was never caught by police. To make matters worse, the detective soon notices the parallels between the crimes committed by the West Hollywood stalker and those of a serial murderer incarcerated years ago. Could the wrong man be behind bars?More...
Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story2019-01-06An investigative reporter Nellie Bly, who’s on a mission to expose the deplorable conditions and mistreatment of patients at the notorious Women’s Lunatic Asylum, and feigns mental illness in order to be institutionalized to report from the inside. The movie is an account of actual events surrounding Nellie’s stay beginning after she has undergone treatment, leaving her with no recollection of how she came to the asylum or her real identity.More...
The Haunting in Connecticut2009-03-27When the Campbell family moves to upstate Connecticut, they soon learn that their charming Victorian home has a disturbing history: not only was the house a transformed funeral parlor where inconceivable acts occurred, but the owner's clairvoyant son Jonah served as a demonic messenger, providing a gateway for spiritual entities to crossover.More...
Case 392009-08-13In her many years as a social worker, Emily Jenkins believes she has seen it all, until she meets 10-year-old Lilith and the girl's cruel parents. Emily's worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to harm the child, and so Emily assumes custody of Lilith while she looks for a foster family. However, Emily soon finds that dark forces surround the seemingly innocent girl, and the more she tries to protect Lilith, the more horrors she encounters.More...
A Tale of Two Sisters2003-06-13Two sisters return home after a stay in a mental institution, only to face disturbing events and a strained relationship with their stepmother. As eerie occurrences unfold, dark family secrets begin to surface, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.More...
My Bloody Valentine2009-01-16Ten years after a Valentine's Day tragedy claimed the lives of five miners, Harry Warden returns for a vengeful massacre among teen sweethearts gearing up for another party.More...
Forget Me Not2009-10-22It's graduation weekend, and Sandy Channing, the popular class president of her small-town high school, should be enjoying the time of her life. But when her friends start disappearing, Sandy discovers they have unwittingly awakened the vengeful spirit of a girl they wronged long ago. Fighting for her sanity, Sandy must unlock a dark secret from her own past before it's too late.More...
Private Parts1997-03-07The life and career of shock-jock superstar Howard Stern is recounted from his humble beginnings to his view from the top. Possessing a desire to be an on-air personality since childhood, Stern meanders through the radio world, always with his supportive wife, Alison, by his side. Landing a gig in Washington, D.C., Stern meets Robin Quivers, who will become his long-time partner in crime. When the two move to New York, they face the wrath of NBC executives.More...
Beyond the Mat1999-10-22A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.More...
Exorcismus2010-12-29Fifteen-year-old Emma Evans is like any other teenage girl; she thinks that her parents don't understand her. She longs for independence and a life free of family ties and responsibilities and she is prepared to do anything to achieve it. But one day she will be forced to face up to the consequences of her actions.Life seems to be carrying on as normal, until one day Emma starts experiencing frightening fits. Her parents are convinced that her problems are either medical or psychological, but when doctors' tests are unable to draw any conclusions, the family is forced to look elsewhere for answers.It all started off as a bit of fun, Emma never really believed it, but the truth is there is something dark and sinister within her, and it won't take long to surface.More...
In Her Skin2009-03-14Tale of a 15-year-old Australian girl who went missing.More...
2001 Maniacs2005-05-12On their way to Spring Break, college kids take a detour through an old Southern town. The people of Pleasant Valley insist the kids stay for their annual barbecue celebration... but instead of getting a taste of the old South, the old South gets a taste of them!More...
Plush2013-09-13A young singer/songwriter, despite being married, becomes involved with her new guitarist, who she soon discovers has a dark past and may be a danger to her and those close to her.More...
Vicious2019-01-24A girls weekend in a remote cottage in the Ardennes. Relationships are put into focus - do the four girls know everything about each other? The filming of the 'best youth book' of 2012 written by Mel Wallis de Vries.More...
Friend Request2013-05-05A team of two detectives is tasked with apprehending a crazed, online psycho who tracks down and lures victims via a popular social media site.More...
The Haunting of Molly Hartley2008-10-31When teenage Molly Hartley moves to a new town, she's haunted by terrifying visions that may have to do with dark secrets from her past. Something evil lurks just beneath the lush surfaces of her private-school world, and it holds the rights to her very soul. On the eve of her 18th birthday, Molly is about to discover the truth of just who or what she is destined to become.More...
Henry Poole Is Here2008-08-15Henry Poole abandons his fiancée and family business to spend what he believes are his remaining days alone. The discovery of a 'miracle' by a nosy neighbor ruptures his solitude and restores his faith in life.More...
Timber Falls2007-12-07A weekend of camping in the mountains becomes an excursion into hell for a young couple, who become pawns in a grotesque plot hatched by deranged locals.More...
Messengers 2: The Scarecrow2009-07-21The family man farmer John Rollins is stressed with his financial situation: the crows and the lack of irrigation are destroying his crop of corn; the bank is near closure of his mortgage; he does not have credit to fix the water pump or to buy seeds; and his marriage is in crisis and his wife Mary is giving too much attention to her friend Tommy. When John accidentally discovers a hidden compartment in the barn, he finds a creepy scarecrow but his son Michael makes him promise to destroy it. However, his neighbor Jude Weatherby visits him, gives a six-pack of beer to the abstemious John and convinces him to put the scarecrow in the cornfield. Out of the blue, the life of John changes: the crows die; the pump works again irrigating the land; and the banker responsible for the closure has an accident and dies. However, he feels that his land is possessed by something evil that is threatening his beloved family.More...
Impossibility Defense2018-02-01At a certain park, there is a mysterious man, who has red eyes and a black suit, that people can go to and request him to kill someone. His assassinations can never be blamed on him because he takes no illegal action. His strength is in the power of suggestion and the arrangement of events. He accepts these requests, all the while privately mocking the foolishness of those whose unwise wishes he grants.More...
Similar Movies
Dawn of the Dead
2004-03-19A group of survivors take refuge in a shopping mall after the world is taken over by aggressive, flesh-eating zombies.The Blob
1988-08-05In Arborville, California, three high school students try to protect their hometown from a gelatinous alien life form that engulfs everything it touches.The Fly
1986-08-15When Seth Brundle makes a huge scientific and technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.Dementia 13
2017-10-06A vengeful ghost, a mysterious killer, and a family where everyone has a secret converge in one night of terror in this remake of Francis Ford Coppola's first feature film.Exorcist: The Beginni...
2004-08-20Years before Father Merrin helped save Regan MacNeil’s soul, he first encounters the demon Pazuzu in East Africa.Shutter
2008-03-21A newly married couple discovers disturbing, ghostly images in photographs they develop after a tragic accident. Fearing the manifestations may be connected, they investigate and learn that some mysteries are better left unsolved.Willard
2003-03-14Desperate for companionship, the repressed Willard befriends a group of rats that inhabit his late father's deteriorating mansion. In these furry creatures, Willard finds temporary refuge from daily abuse at the hands of his bedridden mother and his father's old partner, Frank. Soon it becomes clear that the brood of rodents is ready and willing to exact a vicious, deadly revenge on anyone who dares to bully their sensitive new master.See No Evil
2006-05-19A group of delinquents are sent to clean the Blackwell Hotel but little do they know reclusive psychopath Jacob Goodnight has holed away in the rotting hotel. When one of the teens is captured, those who remain band together to survive against the brutal killer.House of Wax
2005-05-05A group of unwitting teens are stranded near a strange wax museum and soon must fight to survive and keep from becoming the next exhibit.Anaconda
2024-03-01A struggling circus crew gets deceived by its former partner, as it embarks on a tour in Thailand. During the journey through a Southeast Asian rainforest, they encounter attacks by a giant python. They meet a mysterious man named Jeff who offers to help, but they soon realize he's a poacher. As they search for Jeff's boat, they face life-and-death struggles with the python and Jeff himself.Bram Stoker's Dracula...
1992-11-13Centuries-old vampire Count Dracula travels to Victorian London, where he becomes obsessed with Mina Murray—the fiancée of his solicitor, Jonathan Harker—believing her to be the reincarnation of his long-lost love.Chandralekha
2014-03-07Four people who decide to commit suicide at a resort find themselves haunted by a vengeful ghost. (A remake of the Telugu film Prema Katha Chitram (2013))Dunwich
No data for this movieThe Dunwich Horror will take place seven years after the events of Color Out of Space, in a future version of the Lovecraftian city of Arkham, and will continue to explore the concept of the Old Ones returning to Earth. Further details TBA.The Initiation of Sar...
2006-10-22A sorority girl unwittingly becomes the focus of a battle between good and evil.It's Alive
2009-08-15When Lenore Harker learns that she's pregnant, she leaves graduate school to set up a home with her boyfriend Frank in the country. The happy new family's lives takes a gruesome turn when animals and people end up brutally dead – all with a mysterious connection to their newborn.A Nightmare on Elm St...
2010-04-30Teenagers Nancy, Quentin, Kris, Jesse and Dean are all neighborhood friends who begin having the same dream of a horribly disfigured man who wears a tattered sweater and a glove made of knives. The man terrorizes them in their dreams, and the only escape is to wake up. But when, one by one, they start dying violently, the friends realize that what happens in the dream world is real, and the only way to stay alive is to stay awake.Wohi Bhayanak Raat
1989-01-01A teenager begins to suspect his next door neighbor is actually a vampire in this Indian rip-off of Fright Night.Day of the Dead: Bloo...
2017-12-29In a world overrun by zombies, military personnel and survivalists live in an underground bunker while they seek a cure.The Ring
2002-10-18Rachel Keller is a journalist investigating a videotape that may have killed four teenagers. There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. Rachel tracks down the video... and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery of the Ring so she can save herself and her son.The Fog
2005-10-14Trapped within an eerie mist, the residents of Antonio Bay have become the unwitting victims of a horrifying vengeance. One hundred years earlier, a ship carrying lepers was purposely lured onto the rocky coastline and sank, drowning all aboard. Now they're back – long-dead mariners who've waited a century for their revenge.