The Intruders (2015)

The smell of the popcorn; the excitement of the crowd. The anticipation of the curtains rising and that first glimmer of light as the projector is turned on. You can't wait through the previews; you've already waited so long. But it does take you back to that first preview you'd seen, so many months back, when you first decided you needed to see the film. It has been drawn out, and you've patiently awaited, all culminating to this particular moment: "It's on!" You cross your hands and move forward just a bit.

What happened to the days of films being out in theaters for several months, giving everybody ample time to see them, while word of mouth spread like wildfire to everybody within ears distance? If you somehow missed the previews, a friend of a friend had said the movie was amazing and you just needed to see for yourself. There was no such thing as a film being released for purchase before it was seen in theaters. There is something about that feeling of being amongst the crowd, experiencing the moment, and seeing the reactions of all types of people while you are there. The anticipation and excitement is felt throughout the venue, with not only your close family and friends, but everybody who has been awaiting its debut. As I drove up to Los Angeles last night, I couldn't help but to wonder why Sony had chosen not to take this route for one of their new films, "The Intruders".

I was able to purchase the film before its' actual release in the theater I was driving to. I confess; I just couldn't wait. I had to watch it before I made the drive up to LA- replaying several times, I might add. It had such unique twists and turns. It was not at all what I had envisioned. I expected a great film, but it was superb. It was not at all like many films of this genre. It was an excellent suspenseful mystery, with many elements of the human psyche coming into play. I couldn't stop watching it.

The story is of a father and daughter moving to a new town after the death of a schizophrenic mother, and settling into a home with much history and character already present. Dad has visions of remodeling the home to their liking, but the home seems to have likings of its own. Miranda Cosgrove plays the leading role as Rose, who feels as though something or someone in the house is trying to communicate with them, but her concerns are discounted by her father's unwillingness to accept the validity of what she is saying. As she tries to uncover more of the history and possible events that occurred within the home, she is only left more isolated and vulnerable, as her speculations are left unresolved and seemingly a figment of her imagination. It is evident that something strange is occurring, but very difficult to pinpoint what, as you are lured deeper into a web of plot twists and paranoia, questioning the sanity of everyone involved. I believe the film could have done very well in theaters, had it been traditionally released.

Films are art forms that require patience and vision from the writer, director and cast. This film is no exception to this sentiment, definitely deserving its' time on the big screen. I am happy to own the film, but I would have gladly payed full price to see it in theaters. The screening was actually free, and I was so fortunate to view it in the presence of the director, Adam Massey, writer, Jason Juravic, along with Miranda Cosgrove herself.

As being one of her first roles of this type, I believe she could receive so much more recognition from the natural process of a full theater release, as well as the writer and director. To say the least, my favorite viewing of the film was at this special screening, and I believe many others would have felt the same way had they known. This film is definitely well put together and intriguing to watch. Many Miranda Cosgrove fans would have loved to see this special showing, had it been more well publicized.

The Landmark theater screening in LA also included a question and answer session with the creative minds and cast of the this excellent film. When asked about what had drawn her to this particular type of film, Miranda replied, "...it was so different than anything I'd done before. And even though I really do like comedy a lot, I really have always liked horror films. Especially this kind of horror film because it's not really like a slasher movie; it's more of a thriller. I'm really happy that I got to be a part of it."

-Genevieve Olin