Fly the Coop with Intruders: A Film Review

Tagline: "They Should Have Left Her Alone."

Director: Adam Schindler.

Writers: T.J. Cimfel and David White.

Cast: Rory Culkin, Leticia Jimenez, Jack Kesy, Timothy T. McKinney, Joshua Mikel and Beth Riesgraf.

Intruders is a new entry into the home invasion genre. Though, the film relies heavily on dramatic elements, too. From first time feature film director Adam Schindler, Intruders focuses on Anna's (Beth Riesgraf) dark history and a group of burglars. This material requires a serious tone and this causes the film to wade more into dramatic territory, compared to horror ones. Symbolism also makes an appearance, with Anna portrayed as a caged bird. Intruders is a captivating film, which will draw many viewers into its tense narrative.

Anna is dealing with a dying brother. Conrad (Timothy T. McKinney) has been Anna's protector. Without him, she appears lost, almost like a little girl. Her tragic past, which is revealed late in the film, keeps her within the confines of her family home. Later, her isolation becomes a hindrance, when four men break into this house. But, this is no ordinary home. Full of tricks and traps, the basement is one place that should be avoided by everyone. And, Intruders invites you into this dark space and the darker parts of Anna's past.

Anna is appropriately dressed for a funeral.

Anna's terrible background creates her dysfunction. It also develops her character arc and unhinges some of the film's logic. Anna's father abused her, with Conrad intervening. This abuse was then turned outwards, onto others. Never seen onscreen, Anna has victimized people, as well. It is this extended abuse that tears down some of the narrative logic, especially in Act III. Without Conrad, Anna is unable to deal with the home invaders efficiently. Instead, they are allowed to hound her again and again. But, Anna is damaged. Then, Anna quickly leaves this past behind, somewhat unbelievably. Anna moves out of her caged existence, with just a few steps. Abuse is never overcome this quickly, or with such ease.

Writers T.J. Cimfel (No Tell Motel) and David White utilize some symbolism in the story. This viewer noticed at least two instances where objects represented something more. Anna plays with a box, in an early scene. This object hosts a secret switch and a hidden compartment. The home, itself, also hosts hidden rooms and buttons. The two are easily comparable. A second symbol, a caged bird, relates to Anna's existence. Anna is trapped, just like the bird, in her home. The actual bird's poor treatment could be foreshadowing for Anna's outcome, but that is not entirely true. Still, it interesting to see Anna as the writers and the burglars do: a caged bird.

Intruders utilizes a serious tone and this tone amplifies the film's dramatic elements. In fact, a serious tone is required for drama to occur; there are few comedic dramas around. The serious tone and the dramatic elements help create the tension, which increases as the film progresses and more of Anna's history is revealed. Much of the drama revolves around Anna's past, which has been mentioned above. The film's topics, tone and genres all work well together. These film elements improve the overall quality of the film.

This dramatic home invasion thriller is an entertaining watch. Anna's complex past and her dire present situation create for some exciting exchanges. The burglars and kidnappers are less well developed, but they force Anna to look at her past, whether she wants to or not. The film's final act does lose some of its logic as Anna turns from killer into saddened victim. Still, the use of symbolism can help the viewer understand her caged existence, which stalls her ability to fight back. The serious tone improves the dramatic film elements. And, Intruders will satisfy most viewers' desire for a compelling indie thriller.

Overall: 7.25 out of 10.

*the character J.T. also picks up a ceramic bird, from a mantle. It is destroyed shortly thereafter. This short incident, at the 18 minutes mark, also relates to the film's symbolism and the burglar's destructive intent, for Anna.

**the film has been available on DVD as of March 1st, 2016.

Recommended release: You're Next at Amazon

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