The Uninvited

This film is based on Kim Jee-Woon’s 2003 Korean horror film ‘Tale of Two Sisters.’

The story begins with our protagonist, Anna Robertson. After a tragic boathouse fire claims the life of her ill mother, Anna is sent to a mental institution, for various reasons. Ten months go by, and Anna is released back into the custody of her father (David Strathairn), her sister Alex (Arielle Kebbel) and the family nurse, Rachael (Elizabeth Banks). However, as time goes by, Anna starts to believe that Rachael is not who she says she is…

This is a dark film, from start to finish. “The Uninvited” pursues a creepy, thriller genre throughout. The Guard Brothers have produced a somewhat enjoyable film, however it is marred by various problems. The performances by David Strathairn and Emily Browning are astounding. Elizabeth Banks, also, puts in a fairly decent job in her role as Rachael Summers.

In terms of cinematography, this film is spot on. The music is just right, providing the eeriness this film needs to keep it going for 80 minutes. The scenery, though dark for most of this film, is nonetheless pleasurable. The film however, does tend to drag in some areas, and I found myself having to check the display menu on my television to see how far I was into the film. Other than that, like I said, this film is pretty good.

Objectionable material

Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of violence, language, sex/nudity and other questionable items.

Violence: A structure catches fire. There are multiple scenes of bodies coming to life and trying to grab Anna. ***SPOILER*** Two characters are killed ***END SPOILER*** There is a scene where Anna and Rachael have a huge fight, and Anna is thrown against a dresser. There is a scene where a hand is slammed into a door. A face is struck with an object.

Profanity: The profanity in this film is heavy. I counted two instances of G**d**n, one instance of bull-s***, two instances of sh**, two instances of b***h, and one f**k. The term “crack whore” is mentioned, as well as “stripper pool.” One character suggests having sex with Anna by saying “I love you, and I have a condom.” Alex mentions Rachael helping their father “three times a night.” The word “ecstasy” is used in a sexual context. Alex mentions to Anna that Rachael was “riding their dad.” Alex also mentions to Anna that she is going to be “hung over.”. Lastly, Anna suggests a character should “slit his wrists, too.”

The sex/nudity in this film is very heavy for a film that is rated PG-13. Anna and a boy named Adam are seen having sex at the very beginning of the film. Alex and Rachael wear cleavage-exposing outfits. There is one scene where sexual noises can be heard coming from the father’s bedroom. Alex finds a sex toy and tells Anna that its name is “Mr Chubby.” In a later scene, Anna is seen half naked. Towards the very end of the film, Rachael and Anna’s father are seen having sex.

There is a scene of teen drinking at the beginning of the film. In another scene, Alex comes home drunk and admits to it. A patient talks to Anna about all the bleeding that occurs from cutting yourself. There are a couple scenes where blood comes through a door and can later be seen all over the floors of the house. The film has multiple brief instances of terror.

As with any horror/terror film, the story revolves around fear. When we have God, however, we have nothing to fear. God is always there, no matter when we need him, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” -Psalm 23:4 (New International Version)

“Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” —Psalm 31:2 (New International Version)

In short, while this film has relatively high movie making qualities, I cannot recommend it to anyone due to heavy amounts of violence, sex/nudity, and profanity.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

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