The Uninvited (2024) by Nadia Conners

Description: Nadia Conners’s narrative feature debut, “The Uninvited (2025),” is a comedic drama with satirical undertones that delves into the anxieties of aging, ambition, and identity within the scrutinizing world of Hollywood. The film centers on a former actress navigating life as a stay-at-home mother whose carefully planned party for her agent husband’s important client is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of an elderly woman claiming the house is hers. This intrusion, coupled with the presence of other guests from her past and present, forces the protagonist to confront her insecurities and reflect on her life choices and place in an industry obsessed with youth.

Detailed Summary: The film takes place over the course of a single, increasingly chaotic night at the stylish Hollywood Hills home of Rose, a former actress, now a stay-at-home mom, and her husband Sammy, a well-connected Hollywood agent. They are hosting a party to impress Sammy’s big-shot director client, Gerald, and potentially woo a glamorous young actress, Delia. While Sammy is focused on his career ambitions, plotting a major professional move, Rose is grappling with her own quiet crisis, having recently been told she’s too old for certain roles at just over forty. As Rose navigates the demands of hosting the “perfect” party while tending to her young son, an elderly woman named Helen arrives unexpectedly, asserting that the house is rightfully hers. Helen’s presence throws the carefully constructed social gathering into disarray, exposing the underlying tensions, insecurities, and unfulfilled desires of the guests. What begins as an awkward interruption evolves into a symbolic confrontation with themes of aging, relevance, and legacy. Through sharp dialogue and observational humor, the film critiques Hollywood’s often harsh beauty standards and gender roles while also offering a poignant look at motherhood and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

• Former actress and stay-at-home mom, Rose, hosts a party with her agent husband, Sammy, for a key client.

• Rose is dealing with insecurities about aging in the Hollywood industry.

• An elderly woman, Helen, arrives uninvited, claiming the house belongs to her.

• Helen’s presence disrupts the party and brings underlying tensions among the guests to the surface.

• Rose is forced to confront her past, present insecurities, and future as a woman in and out of Hollywood.

The plot uses a dinner party setting as a pressure cooker to expose the characters’ vulnerabilities and societal critiques.

Director’s Vision: “The Uninvited (2025)” marks Nadia Conners’s debut narrative feature, following her acclaimed documentary work, including “The 11th Hour.” Conners, who also wrote the screenplay, uses this film to offer a sharp, yet often tender, satire of Hollywood culture and its treatment of women, particularly as they age. Drawing on the film’s origins as a play, the script is dialogue-driven and utilizes the contained setting of the party to create a sense of simmering tension and confined ambition. Conners is interested in exploring universal anxieties about being remembered, relevance, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of career and family. While critiquing the superficiality of the industry, her vision also aims for a humane touch, portraying the characters’ insecurities with a degree of relatability. The directorial style, noted by one critic as atmospheric and making the villa feel like both a prison and a stage through cinematography, supports the film’s themes of confinement and performance.

• Aging in Hollywood: A central theme is the industry’s harsh reality for women as they age and the pressure to maintain youth and relevance.

• Ambition and Sacrifice: The film explores the characters’ career aspirations, the compromises they make, and the personal costs of ambition.

• Motherhood and Identity: Rose’s journey highlights the complexities of motherhood and the struggle to maintain a sense of self and career identity after becoming a parent.

• Legacy and Relevance: The arrival of the elderly woman and the focus on a seasoned director client bring themes of legacy, fading relevance, and what it means to be remembered to the forefront.

• Gender Roles and Expectations: The film critiques societal and industry expectations placed on women, particularly regarding appearance, career trajectory, and domestic roles.

• The Illusion vs. Reality of Hollywood: The party setting serves as a microcosm of Hollywood’s often artificial surface, contrasting with the characters’ underlying anxieties and vulnerabilities.

• The Passage of Time: The presence of the elderly character and Rose’s own anxieties about aging underscore the overarching theme of the relentless passage of time and its impact on life and career.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The film features a talented cast, including Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Lois Smith, and Pedro Pascal, whose performances are highlighted in reviews.

• Relevant and Timely Satire: The film’s critique of Hollywood’s ageism and gender dynamics resonates with current conversations around representation and inclusion in the industry.

• Sharp Dialogue and Humorous Observations: The film’s origins as a play likely contribute to its strong, dialogue-driven narrative and witty observations about its characters and setting.

• Nuanced Portrayal of Complex Characters: The film aims to portray its characters’ insecurities with a humane touch, making them relatable despite their privileged setting.

• Successful Festival Premiere: Premiering at SXSW generated initial buzz and critical attention for the film.

Summary Short: In Nadia Conners’s “The Uninvited (2025),” a former actress hosting a Hollywood party confronts aging and insecurity when an elderly woman crashes the event claiming the house is hers, in a satirical drama featuring Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, and Lois Smith.

Awards and Nominations: “The Uninvited (2025)” had its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on March 11, 2024. As of May 17, 2025, information regarding other major awards wins or nominations specifically for this film is not widely available.

Critics Reception: “The Uninvited (2025)” has received a range of critical responses, with many critics appreciating its sharp satire and the performances of its cast, while some found its focus on Hollywood anxieties potentially insular. The film holds a 63 score on Metacritic based on several critic reviews, indicating generally mixed to positive reception.

• Positive Reviews: Critics like Nick Schager from The Daily Beast (80/100 on Metacritic) found that the film “Gracefully balanc[es] its lighter and darker concerns, it’s a witty ride whose poignancy—like adulthood itself—sneaks up on you.” Mae Abdulbaki from Screen Rant (70/100 on Metacritic) described it as a “genuinely funny and heartfelt” film where Conners is a “confident director, bringing together a story that is personal while touching upon issues women face as they age with grace and care.”

• Mixed Reviews: Leslie Felperin from The Guardian (60/100 on Metacritic) noted that while “We’re invited to laugh at the characters gently… The Uninvited never goes for all-out satire and is all the better for it, even if the last act is overly neat.” Jamie Graham from Empire Magazine (60/100 on Metacritic) felt it “vibes like a ’90s indie” and is “well-acted and makes entertainment of its earnest themes,” though it “hangs in the Hollywood hills.” Roger Moore from Movie Nation (63/100 on Metacritic) highlighted Lois Smith’s performance, stating she “be[s] the grandmotherly gravitas at the center of this quiet storm.”

• Negative Reviews: Kevin Maher from The Times (40/100 on Metacritic) was more critical, finding the film “similarly haphazard” and ultimately having “little to say other than “life is short, and making movies sucks.””

Overall Critics Reception: The critical reception is varied, with a general acknowledgment of Nadia Conners’s potential as a director and the film’s sharp observations about Hollywood. The performances, particularly that of Lois Smith, are frequently praised. While some critics found the satire effective and the themes resonant, others felt it was too narrowly focused on the entertainment industry.

Reviews: Reviews for “The Uninvited” highlight its strengths in writing and performance, particularly in how it tackles the anxieties of aging and relevance in Hollywood.

• Key Praises: Reviewers have lauded the witty and incisive nature of the dialogue, a likely carryover from its theatrical origins. The performances of the ensemble cast, including Elizabeth Reaser’s central role and Lois Smith’s impactful presence, have been consistently positive points. The film’s ability to blend humor with poignant moments of reflection on life choices and societal pressures has also been appreciated by several critics.

• Points of Criticism: Some reviews mentioned that the film’s focus on the specifics of the Hollywood industry might limit its appeal for audiences outside of that world. A few critics also found the transition from play to screen occasionally apparent, with some scenes feeling overly theatrical.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews suggest that “The Uninvited” is a well-acted and smartly written film that offers a thoughtful, albeit sometimes narrowly focused, critique of Hollywood and a poignant look at the anxieties of aging and unfulfilled potential.

Production: “The Uninvited (2025)” is a production involving Rosebud Pictures and Foton Pictures. Directed and written by Nadia Conners, the film boasts an impressive cast including Elizabeth Reaser, Walton Goggins, Lois Smith, Pedro Pascal, Eva De Dominici, and Rufus Sewell. The film’s origins as a play influenced its dialogue-driven nature and contained setting.

• Foton Distribution (United States) – Handled the limited US theatrical release.

• Distribution in the United Kingdom is also confirmed, with a release date in May 2025.

Theatrical Release: “The Uninvited (2025)” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on March 11, 2024. It had a limited theatrical release in the United States on April 11, 2025, and a limited theatrical release in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Sharp and Relevant Satire: The film offers a timely critique of Hollywood culture and its impact on individuals, particularly women.

• Strong Performances: The film features a talented ensemble cast delivering praised performances.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: It delves into universal anxieties about aging, ambition, and self-discovery.

• Nadia Conners’s Narrative Debut: See the first narrative feature film from a director known for her impactful documentary work.

• Witty and Engaging Dialogue: The film’s strength lies in its sharp writing and character interactions.

• If You Are Interested in Films About Hollywood: Gain insight into the perceived realities and anxieties of the entertainment industry.

• For a Character-Driven Drama with Humor: If you appreciate films that balance comedic moments with poignant emotional exploration.

• To See Strong Ensemble Acting: Enjoy the performances of a talented cast working with a sharp script.

• Interested in Films That Tackle Aging and Societal Pressures: The film offers a relevant look at these universal experiences.

• Support Independent Cinema with a Critical Voice: Watch a film that offers a thoughtful critique of a specific industry and broader societal issues.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Hollywood Satire / Ensemble Character Study: The film aligns with the trend of films that offer a critical and often humorous look at the inner workings and culture of Hollywood. It also fits within ensemble dramas that focus on a group of characters and their intertwined relationships and personal struggles, often over a contained period or event (like a party).

What Big Social Trend is Following: Increased Scrutiny of Industry Practices and Societal Expectations: The film taps into the ongoing social trend of examining and critiquing the practices of powerful industries, particularly regarding issues of ageism, sexism, and the pressures related to appearance and success. It also reflects broader societal conversations about aging and the anxieties associated with it.

Final Verdict: Nadia Conners’s “The Uninvited (2025)” is a compelling and often insightful debut narrative feature that uses the microcosm of a Hollywood party to explore universal anxieties about aging, ambition, and identity. Anchored by strong performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Elizabeth Reaser and Lois Smith, the film offers a sharp and witty critique of the entertainment industry’s often-unforgiving nature. While some critics found its focus perhaps too specific to Hollywood, the film’s underlying themes of confronting unfulfilled potential, navigating societal expectations, and the relentless passage of time resonate deeply. “The Uninvited” is a smart and engaging dramedy that signals Nadia Conners as a narrative filmmaker with a keen eye for social commentary and a talent for crafting character-driven stories with both humor and heart. It’s a recommended watch for those interested in thoughtful satires and films that delve into the complexities of life’s second acts.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Use Specific Settings to Explore Universal Themes: The film demonstrates how a seemingly insular setting like a Hollywood party can be a powerful backdrop for exploring broader human experiences and anxieties.

• Leverage Strengths of Theatrical Origins (if applicable): If adapting from a play, embrace the potential for strong dialogue and character-focused storytelling.

• Offer a Critical Eye on Familiar Worlds: Don’t shy away from satirizing or critiquing industries or social circles that you know well.

• Focus on Character Nuance: Portraying characters with both flaws and relatable vulnerabilities can create a more engaging and empathetic viewing experience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Filmmakers Transitioning Between Genres/Formats: Recognize and support directors like Nadia Conners who move between documentary and narrative filmmaking, bringing unique perspectives.

• Invest in Smart, Dialogue-Driven Films: The film’s positive reception for its writing highlights the audience and critical appreciation for well-crafted scripts and character interactions.

• Embrace Stories That Offer Social Commentary: Support films that use humor and drama to provide insightful critiques of industries and societal norms.

• Recognize the Value of Experienced Actors: The praise for the ensemble cast, including seasoned actors like Lois Smith, underscores the importance of featuring and valuing talent across all age groups.