I was invited to a screening of this film and my expectations were high because I love horror movies. When I say that, I don't mean a guy in a silly mask who jumps out with a knife while arrhythmic notes are banged on a synthesizer, what I am talking about is psychological horror movies. Films that creep you out and make you uncomfortable in your own skin. Movies that cause you to turn on all the lights in an empty house and sleep with a bible even though you haven't been to church in years.
To give you the criteria for my rating, I consider one of the greatest movies ever made in this genre to be Rosemary's Baby. That's a 10. That being said, I gave The Intervention an 8.
I won't say too much about the plot or include any spoilers because that always annoys me. I will say that the story was well written, engaging and original. I enjoyed the performances, especially by Richard Eden who plays a fascinating & complex slow burn character. The guy has a great on screen presence and a cool voice. Also impressive was Shannon Hile's direction. I was shocked to find out that she was a first time director, she deals with tricky subject material that in lesser hands could have gone horribly awry. Thankfully she had the trust in her actors, faith in the material and the patience to allow the story to unfold and play out.
Definitely worth seeing.
