Just Watched: Intruder (1989)

Both Sam Raimi and his brother have parts in Intruder 

By the end of the 80's it seemed like there really hadn't been places that slasher films had taken place in: camps, forests, schools, dances, houses and even mines had all been covered, but one place that hadn't really been explored was supermarkets. That all changed in 1989 with the release of Intruder.

Intruder tells the story about a supermarket night crew who have just found out they have lost their jobs because the store is closing soon. They also had a run in with an ex-boyfriend who spent some time in jail. Eventually the workers get picked off one by one. Is it the ex or somebody else killing off the crew??

There are many odd camera angles such as this one in the floor

Although Sam Raimi didn't direct this movie his fingerprints are all over it. There are interesting shots throughout the entire film such as in the floor, a phone and grocery cart. There's also a comedic flair to it as well, but it's done in a way that doesn't take away from the film if you're not laughing.

As interesting as the filming was though, Intruder is a little dull when the kills aren't happening. There's really no tension or atmosphere here but the kills themselves are quite violent and bloody and usually have a joke that goes along with them. For example, as someone is getting sliced, they immediately show a watermelon getting sliced, or as someone is killed, as they fall they reveal a sign behind them that warns them about what just happend.

Intruder is also a nice change for those that are tired of some of the usual slasher cliches. There's no big party, no drunk people, no sex, no nudity, just people working, or pretending to work at their nightly jobs. Those looking for Bruce Campbell should know he only has a cameo, and is not a star. Also, for Three Stooges fans, keep an eye out for a great cameo with Emil Sitka in one of his last roles.

Many deaths are shown from unique angles

Availability: Intruder is available on DVD from Full Moon Pictures and DVD/Blu-ray combo from Synapse. Avoid the Full Moon release if at all possible as it contains spoilers (including the killer) all over the box art and blatantly advertises it like Bruce Campbell is the star, which he is not. It also has poor picture quality and no movie related extras other than the trailer that reveals the whole plot and killer for you. The Synapse release has much better picture quality and contains a load of extras.

While Intruder is far from one of the best slashers out there it is worth a look for slasher fans looking for something a bit different. Nothing here is particularly great, but there's a few memorable kills and some interesting tidbits for Raimi fans.

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