Shudder’s Who Invited Them: A Sinister Delight in Horror Comedy
In the comfort of our own homes, we find solace and protection. Regardless of the size or location, our homes become our safe havens. However, the thought of welcoming strangers into this personal sanctuary can trigger anxiety and uncertainty. Shudder’s Who Invited Them brings these thoughts to life in a twisted yet entertaining horror comedy that explores the consequences of allowing someone to overstay their welcome.
A Riveting Tale of Unwanted Guests
The film follows Adam (played by Ryan Hansen) and Margo (played by Melissa Tang), a couple who has recently moved into a new house. During a housewarming party, they encounter Tom (played by Timothy Granaderos) and Sasha (played by Perry Mattfeld), a seemingly affluent couple who live next door. What begins as a friendly encounter quickly spirals into something more sinister as Tom and Sasha extend their stay, leaving Adam and Margo suspicious of their true intentions.
A Distinctive Blend of Horror and Mundanity
While horror takes center stage in Who Invited Them, the film stands out from typical home invasion movies by infusing realism into its characters. Despite their outward appearance of normalcy, Adam and Margo harbor deep insecurities that Tom and Sasha exploit. Adam desperately seeks approval from his colleagues and boss, while Margo regrets sacrificing her artistic aspirations for motherhood. Tom and Sasha, with their down-to-earth demeanor, manipulate the couple in increasingly sinister and unpredictable ways, turning the film into a thrilling exploration of these characters’ vulnerabilities.
A Sadistic Delight within Four Walls
Who Invited Them presents itself as a horror comedy that may not elicit constant laughter but instead thrives on a darkly sadistic level. It takes each of the four main characters on a deranged journey within the confines of the house that becomes their battleground. Instead of relying on extravagant special effects or groundbreaking cinematography, the film focuses on character development, resembling a captivating theater production. Spending quality time with the two couples allows the audience to understand their motivations and inner workings.
However, the film slightly falters when it ventures beyond its primary setting. A subplot involving Adam and Margo’s child feels underdeveloped and unnecessary, detracting from the overall impact. Despite this minor misstep, the film’s 80-minute runtime wastes no time in propelling the plot forward. While the path may become predictable, the journey itself remains immensely enjoyable, with any shortcomings feeling like trivial complaints rather than critical faults.
A Showcase of Shudder’s Unique Programming
Who Invited Them exemplifies the distinctive offerings of Shudder’s original content. Despite limited budget and not featuring A-list actors, the film possesses the necessary components that empower independent horror to shine. It may not deliver mind-bending revelations, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. Instead, Who Invited Them embraces its home invasion premise, delivering thrills and dark humor that keep viewers engaged until the closing credits.
Release and Reception of Who Invited Them
Who Invited Them premiered at FrightFest on August 26, 2022. It is set to be released on Shudder in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on Thursday, September 1.
Conclusion
Shudder’s Who Invited Them manages to transcend its predictable narrative through an engaging script and talented cast. The film explores the anxieties associated with welcoming strangers into our personal spaces, unleashing a thrilling and darkly humorous tale. It successfully integrates horror and mundanity, captivating audiences with its character-driven approach. While it stumbles briefly outside of its central setting, Who Invited Them remains a strong example of Shudder’s unique programming, providing a gripping and entertaining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Who Invited Them a comedy or a horror film?
Who Invited Them combines elements of both comedy and horror, creating a unique blend known as a horror comedy. While it may not induce constant laughter, the film’s dark humor adds a layer of entertainment to the overall suspense and thrills.
2. Are there any standout performances in Who Invited Them?
The cast of Who Invited Them delivers exceptional performances, drawing viewers into the twisted narrative. Ryan Hansen and Melissa Tang bring depth to their characters, portraying the vulnerabilities and insecurities that make them susceptible to manipulation. Timothy Granaderos and Perry Mattfeld excel at portraying the enigmatic and sinister couple next door.
3. Does Who Invited Them rely on jump scares?
While there are moments of suspense and tension, Who Invited Them predominantly relies on psychological horror rather than jump scares. The film builds a sense of unease through its characters’ actions and the escalating unpredictability of the situation.
4. How does Who Invited Them compare to other home invasion movies?
Who Invited Them distinguishes itself from other home invasion movies by incorporating deeper character development and a focus on realism. It explores the vulnerabilities and secrets that make its characters susceptible to manipulation. This approach adds complexity to the narrative, elevating it beyond mere genre conventions.
5. Can I watch Who Invited Them on platforms other than Shudder?
Initially, Who Invited Them will be exclusively available on Shudder in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it may become accessible on other platforms in the future. Keep an eye out for potential wider releases.