The Uninvited Guest

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Rating (out of 5): ****

Who is The Uninvited Guest? This question, along with a number of others, may stick with you after viewing this rich, engrossing Spanish film that does not easily give up its secrets. The first full-length feature from writer/director Guillem Morales (he's done a number of short films), the movie is a visual stunner, beautifully composed, and with a musical score that captures mood without being overly intrusive. Intellectually, it stimulates and teases. Emotionally, it pulls you quickly in then jerks you back and forth between acceptance and rejection. If you are looking around for something somewhat scary and original (very!) for Halloween - yet not a blood-and-gore fest - this might be your movie.

Wonderfully cast with two unusual actors (other characters come into play, but this is basically a two-hander), the film probably benefits from the "unknown" status (here in the U.S., at least) of its two leads. The gorgeous Andoni Gracia (El Portero) manages the rather extraordinary feat of appearing all-out sexy at the same time as he is frightened, crazy, happy and in any number of other moods. Gracia has a combination of vulnerability and sensuality that recalls the work of the pre-Psycho Tony Perkins, and it�s something special. Monica Lopez was also in the exceptional In the City and she's handles her two leading roles equally well. Attractive yet no great beauty, she uses her looks and talent skillfully enough to create two very different characters all from within - using little exterior change other than the style and color of her hair.

Why, you may wonder, does the same actress play two roles? That's part of the mystery and magic of this odd movie that dances around ideas of architecture, identity, creation, connection, imagination, children, love and need in a manner that, at any given moment, seems both psychologically true and slightly surreal. Midway, the movie changes locale and tone - from minimalist and dark to bright and expansive - yet holds you equally entranced - quite a feat, I think. This is one of the few films I recall that left me confused yet whipped into a frenetic desire to know more - everything - about the people involved. I would normally judge any film that perplexes to this extent as failing on a major level, but The Uninvited Guest proves that rare exception to the rule. In fact, I'd rate it as just about un-missable for film fans who appreciate something vivid and challenging.