MUBI

This is Hollywood’s first attempt at a “serious” ghost story. If you’re looking for a horror film that’s well-plotted, atmospheric, and intelligent then The Uninvited is it!

The story begins when the Fitzgerald siblings, Roderick and Pamela, buy an abandoned house in England at a surprisingly good price. They purchase the home from Commander Beech, an elderly fellow whose departed daughter and son-in-law once lived in the house. Almost as soon as Roderick and Pamela move in, strange and creepy things start to happen. A woman can be heard crying most nights just before dawn and the smell of mimosa perfume permeates the house. Before long, Roderick becomes infatuated with the Commander’s granddaughter, a very beautiful and innocent looking girl named Stella. Whenever Stella enters the house, the disturbances are amplified, threatening her life. The Commander bans her from setting foot in the house, trying to shield her from the horrible tragedy that took place there 17 years earlier. But the secret he’s kept locked up all these years, one that involves Stella and her heritage, will not stay secret for long and Roderick must find out the motives behind the haunting if he intends to save the woman he loves.

First, I have to say that “The Uninvited” took me totally by surprise and was quite scary in some parts. It’s definitely a first-rate, sophisticated ghost story. This is how a good horror movie should be made – one that builds up the characters, places an emphasis on atmosphere, and raises the suspense level slowly but effectively. This is quite different from the horror films of today where they use CGI images, cheap thrills, and gore to get a reaction out of the audience.

“The Uninvited” never feels dated. The effects in the film were quite impressive, especially given the era in which it was made. The fine black and white cinematography is another bonus as well as the camera angles and the use of light and darkness. All the actors provide good performances, but I was in particular, fascinated by the enchantingly beautiful Gail Russell who plays Stella. She performed the role wonderfully and to be honest, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was very saddened and shocked to hear that she died prematurely in her late 30’s due to alchoholism.

This film can be easily compared to “Rebecca”, so if you’re a fan of that film, you should enjoy “The Uninvited” which is more or less a Film-Noir with a little supernatural thrown in. I also think its interesting to point out that Martin Scorsese came out with a list of his “Top 11 Scariest Horror Movies Ever Made” and “The Uninvited” was included.

So if you’re in the mood for a chilling, well-acted and intelligent horror flick, you can’t go wrong here. For fans of genuine horror movies, this is a must-see!