In a local grocery store, the staff on duty are preparing to close after a long day of trade. But before they can officially close, an incident occurs involving a staff member named Jennifer (played by Liz Kern), who works at one of the store’s checkouts. The altercation is with Craig (played by David Byrnes), her ex-boyfriend, whom she dated for a few months. It’s clear that Craig still has strong feelings for Jennifer and is seeking a second chance at their relationship. Unfortunately, the conversation does not end well.
To make matters worse, the store owner and his business partner announce at the end of the trading day that they have decided to sell the store. Starting tomorrow, all stock will be sold at a 50% discount. As a result, staff can’t go home, so they must stay and work late to reprice every item in the store before the next trading day. Naturally, the staff are annoyed and disheartened by this news. Nevertheless, knowing there’s not much they can do about the situation, they agree to return and reprice the store’s stock as instructed.
However, Jennifer and the staff discover Craig is still lurking around the store and its premises. The night becomes more frustrating when the staff decides to split up to search for Craig and try to stop his ridiculous behaviour. But Craig is the least of their worries- there’s a mysterious killer who begins to murder the staff members one by one, leaving behind pools of blood. Is Craig seeking revenge, or is someone else conducting a brutal killing spree? Can the staff find a way to survive this gruesome and bloody killer?
Intruder was directed by Scott Spiegel, who has a penchant for creating entertaining horror films. Spiegel has also directed films like From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999) and Hostel: Part III (2001). Intruder is a horror film with a significant mystery element centred around the ultimate question: Who is the killer? Before watching this movie, avoid looking up any promotional material, such as poster art. Much of the promotional material contains major reveals and spoilers that can diminish your experience when watching the film for the first time. Additionally, while Bruce Campbell is prominently billed, it’s important to note that his screen time in the film is minimal.
To get straight to the point, Intruder is a fun film filled with mindless kills, blood splatter, and plenty of cheesy dialogue. The plot is both obvious and filled with clichés, featuring many predictable moments and outcomes. The idea of staff members splitting up and getting picked off individually is a common trope in the slasher genre. Despite these familiar elements, I enjoyed the film’s setting, main reveal, and especially the showdown and conclusion when it reached its peak intensity.
For those who enjoy brainless killings, this film will not disappoint. The effort put into the visual effects and gore is impressive and shockingly brutal when staff members are caught and murdered. Aside from Jennifer and Craig, not many other characters are developed, which means audiences won’t feel a meaningful connection when the killings occur. However, the camera work is excellent, and I appreciated some minor details, such as the point-of-view shots from a shopping trolley or a pay phone. I also want to express my disappointment with the film’s final moments; they felt ridiculous and like a lazy conclusion to the story.
Overall, Intruder feels like a grindhouse horror film. While the plot and concept are not original, the movie excels with its locations, cheesy dialogue, brutal and bloody kills, and creative point-of-view shots. The showdown and reveal of the mysterious killer are also enjoyable. I recommend avoiding all marketing materials and point-of-sale advertisements for this film, as they spoil major surprises (as I learned the hard way). Go in with as little information as possible. This film is a must-see if you’re in the mood for a violent slasher from the late ’80s. Gather a fun group of friends and watch it today!
Intruder (1989) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 7.0/10
Published: 5th November 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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