The Intruder

When it comes to reviewing movies, I subscribe to Roger Ebert's approach of "relative, not absolute." In a piece, "You give out too many stars," Ebert goes into more detail as to this approach, stating, "If a director is clearly trying to make a particular kind of movie, and his audiences are looking for a particular kind of movie, part of my job is judging how close he came to achieving his purpose." So it is from this angle that I approach "The Intruder," which is pulpy trash, but that may have just been the director's purpose.

Annie and Scott appear to have an idyllic relationship, full of love and happiness. With Scott seeing growing success in his career, the logical next step is to plant some roots and purchase a home. Annie finds her perfect home, a sprawling cottage on acres of land, and Scott wastes no time in obliging his wife's domestic proclivity. The only catch is the home's previous owner, Charlie, who despite selling it doesn't seem entirely ready to let go.

In its very premise, "The Intruder" seems hopelessly generic and doomed to be forgotten. And for the most part, it's tough to argue with that assessment. The script is not particularly well written or surprising. But director Deon Taylor leans into this expectation. There are long expositional scenes and the characters are inhumanly accepting of some truly ridiculous situations (at no point does this married couple consider obtaining a restraining order on Charlie). And yet, despite its painfully mediocre script and tired premise, Taylor steers the film straight into an over-the-top world with Dennis Quaid as its MVP.

That's the real strength of "The Intruder": Dennis Quaid. The former hunky leading man giddily takes charge, delivering an unhinged and often uncomfortable performance that becomes the only reason to see this movie to its end credits. Quaid doesn't just chew on the scenery, he devours it, transforming "The Intruder" from a generic psychological thriller into a bonkers exercise in jump scares and creeping dread. He injects the film with such a jolt of adrenaline that you forgive its lazier sensibilities and just hold on for the ride.

The Blu-ray release, unlike the film itself, happily indulges in the land of the generic. There is the typical press kit type behind-the-scenes featurettes and some deleted/alternate scenes. It includes a commentary with a whole bunch of the cast and crew, although they choose not to include Quaid, an odd choice that renders it useless. Oddly, there is a brief gag reel that will solicit a light chuckle if you're feeling generous and an alternate ending that would've ruined the movie.

In all honesty, "The Intruder" is not a movie that does anything especially well. It's like a cheap thriller that you buy at the airport, looking for a distraction more than something special. Luckily, Dennis Quaid shows up with an off-the-wall performance that elevates the movie to something better, if still only fine.

"The Intruder"
Blu-ray + Digital HD
$19.99
https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theintruder