Intruders – Film Review

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s Intruders is a psychological horror-thriller that delves into the nature of fear, trauma, and the power of the subconscious mind. While the film boasts compelling visuals, strong performances, and an intriguing premise, it ultimately stumbles under the weight of its ambitions, failing to fully capitalize on its potential. What emerges is a film that is visually gripping and thematically rich, yet uneven in execution.

Intruders is a bilingual, dual-narrative film set in both Spain and England, following two seemingly unrelated children, Juan (Izán Corchero) and Mia (Ella Purnell), as they are tormented by a shadowy, faceless entity known as Hollow Face. The story interweaves their experiences, using an eerie atmosphere and a slow-burning sense of dread to establish an unsettling tone. While this dual perspective is a compelling approach, the film struggles to maintain equal weight between the two narratives, leading to an imbalance in emotional engagement.

The Spanish segment, following young Juan and his mother Luisa (Pilar López de Ayala), is arguably the stronger of the two. It effectively builds tension through an oppressive atmosphere, utilizing Juan’s bedroom as a claustrophobic, fear-ridden space. The fear Juan experiences feels palpable, making his story the more compelling of the two narratives. In contrast, Mia’s storyline in England—where her father John Farrow (Clive Owen) becomes increasingly involved in her terrifying encounters—feels more conventional and less immersive.

Clive Owen delivers a committed and intense performance as John, a father struggling to protect his daughter from an intangible threat. Owen’s ability to convey both tenderness and desperation makes his character’s journey one of the film’s highlights. His chemistry with Ella Purnell, who plays Mia, is convincing, and Purnell herself delivers a solid performance, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a young girl facing an unknown terror.

Pilar López de Ayala is equally impressive as Luisa, embodying a mother overwhelmed by fear and the uncertainty of how to protect her son. Izán Corchero, as Juan, brings an authentic childlike terror to his role, adding weight to his storyline. However, while the performances are generally strong, some of the supporting cast members feel underutilized, and certain characters remain underdeveloped, making their presence feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals.

Visually, Intruders is striking. The cinematography by Enrique Chediak is atmospheric, utilizing shadow and light to create an omnipresent sense of unease. The use of dimly lit interiors, fog-laden exteriors, and unsettling framing choices enhances the horror elements without resorting to overtly gory or cheap jump scares. The film is effective at building tension through its imagery, particularly in the design of Hollow Face, which is chilling despite its simplicity.

The CGI effects, while sparse, are used effectively to enhance the supernatural elements. Some moments feel reminiscent of classic gothic horror, with a restrained yet evocative use of special effects to amplify the presence of Hollow Face. However, as the film progresses, some of the horror elements begin to feel repetitive, slightly diminishing their impact by the third act.

At its core, Intruders explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of imagination, and the way fear manifests in both children and adults. The film suggests that fear is not just something that lurks in the dark but is shaped by our minds, taking on different forms depending on personal experiences and vulnerabilities. This psychological depth is one of the film’s most intriguing aspects, giving it more substance than a conventional horror film.

That said, the film occasionally struggles with its thematic execution. While it raises compelling questions about the nature of fear and storytelling, it sometimes feels as if it is juggling too many ideas without fully fleshing them out. The dual narratives contribute to this issue, as they are not always seamlessly integrated, leading to a somewhat disjointed thematic focus.

One of Intruders’ major weaknesses lies in its pacing. The film starts with a strong sense of dread, drawing viewers in with its mysterious premise. However, the middle portion drags, bogged down by exposition and repetitive sequences of fear-inducing encounters. Rather than steadily escalating tension, the film sometimes feels like it is treading water, returning to similar scare tactics without meaningful progression in the story.

Additionally, the film’s climax and resolution may leave some viewers unsatisfied. While the narrative threads do converge, the execution of the final act feels rushed compared to the slow, methodical buildup that precedes it. The explanation behind Hollow Face is interesting in concept but underwhelming in delivery, leading to a conclusion that feels more cerebral than emotionally resonant.

Intruders occupies an interesting space within the horror genre. Unlike straightforward supernatural horror films, it leans heavily into psychological horror and dark fantasy elements, akin to films like The Babadook (2014) and Mama (2013), which also explore the intersection of childhood fears and reality. However, unlike those films, Intruders lacks a clear emotional core, making it harder to fully invest in its characters’ plights.

Additionally, the film’s restrained approach to horror—favoring mood and atmosphere over outright terror—may not satisfy viewers expecting a more traditional scare-fest. Instead, it operates in the vein of films like The Others (2001), but without the same level of payoff in its final revelation.

Intruders is a film brimming with intriguing ideas, strong performances, and impressive visuals, but it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience. While it excels in creating an eerie atmosphere and exploring the nature of fear, it struggles with pacing, narrative cohesion, and an underwhelming conclusion.

For viewers who appreciate slow-burning psychological horror with a cerebral edge, Intruders offers enough intrigue to warrant a watch. However, those seeking a more intense, terrifying experience may find themselves underwhelmed by its subdued horror approach. As a whole, Intruders is a respectable but flawed entry in the horror genre—ambitious in concept but inconsistent in execution.