*Rufus Sewell (Gerald), Walter Goggins (Sammy), Elizabeth Reaser (Rose) and Eva De Dominici (Della) in 'THE UNINVITED.' Courtesy of Foton Pictures.*

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Synopsis: ‘The Uninvited’ is a story about the passing of time, love, regret and aging. This comedic dramacenterson Rose, a former actress now living as a stay-at-home mom, who faces a night of chaoswhen an elderly woman named Helen arrives at her home, claiming it as her own. This unexpectedencounter, along with the presence of other complicated characters from her past and present,forces Rose to confront her insecurities and reflect on her journey as a woman. The film humorouslycritiques Hollywood's beauty standards while celebrating the complexities of womanhood andexplores the themes of motherhood, and self-discovery in Los Angeles.

‘The Uninvited’ is one of those films that might seem like it’s just about a dinner party in the Hollywood Hills, but it’s really about everything simmering underneath: aging, ambition, gender roles, and who gets to be heard in a room full of massive egos.

The film boasts an impressive cast including; Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Rufus Sewell, Pedro Pascal, Eva De Dominici, and Lois Smith.

The story centers on Rose (a renowned stage actress turned Hollywood housewife played by Elizabeth Reaser) and Sammy (a Hollywood agent played by Walton Goggins) — couple hosting a party in their stylish villa. But it’s all to impress Sammy’s big-shot client Gerald (Rufus Sewell), who just wrapped a film abroad as director. As the night unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone has their own agenda. Sammy is plotting a break from his agency to launch something new, hoping to keep Gerald on board and maybe even woo his co-star, the glamorous Delia (Eva De Dominici). Meanwhile, Rose is spiraling in her own way: she’s just been told she’s too old to play a mom in a film, despite being in her early 40s. She’s also tasked with throwing the perfect party… a job that reveals how little room she’s been given to pursue her own passions.

Things take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Helen (Lois Smith); an elderly woman who wanders into the party while claiming the house used to be hers. Her presence throws the evening off balance and exposes the cracks in everyone’s carefully constructed personas. What starts as an awkward interruption turns into a symbolic challenge to everything the characters think they know about power, relevance, and legacy. Some unfamiliar with the film could even wonder if Smith’s arrival is somewhat supernatural.

Director Nadia Conners, making her feature debut, clearly has something to say about the way Hollywood treats women as they age. That message hits especially hard through Rose’s character, who’s both hosting the party and quietly unraveling inside of it. The script sometimes leans too heavily on theatrical monologues — perhaps a holdover from the story’s original development as a play — but the themes still resonate.

Something that helps these themes hold-up throughout the feature is cinematographer Robert Leitzell’s visuals — keeping things rather atmospheric, making the villa feel like both a prison and a stage, with the frequent use of extreme wide shots and claustrophobic framing.

‘The Uninvited’ is somewhat held back by how deeply rooted it is in Hollywood culture. It’s a sharp commentary, but one that may feel distant or overly specific for viewers outside the entertainment bubble. Details like aura photographers and two-hundred-dollar whiskey tastings will either amuse or alienate depending on your zip code.

Still, there’s something universal in Rose’s journey. Her quiet reckoning with a system that’s sidelined her speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like their time had passed — or like they were never really invited in the first place. For all its industry in-jokes, ‘The Uninvited’ is about people coming to terms with their place in the world, and what they’re willing to do or give up to stay in the game.

*Lois Smith (Helen) in ‘THE UNINVITED.’ Courtesy of Foton Pictures.*

One thing is for certain; it’s always a pleasure to see Lois Smith on-screen. Even at 94 years old, she’s the most electric and captivating presence in every scene.

‘The Uninvited’ premiered March 11, 2024 at SXSW, and released on April 11, 2025 (United States).

Our score: ★★★☆☆

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