Intruders (2014) User Reviews

A hidden gem

[demaym · 8/10 · 10 February 2020]

I'm glad I stumbled across this largely unknowm show that has already been long forgotten - another addition to the 'one season wonder' club, where it's orginiality and complexity failed to build a worthy enough television audience to justify another run. Quite the shame and I suspect that if this had come out a few years later, on Netflix or Amaxon Prime, we'd be seeing more.

This is a joint production between BBC America and BBC UK (with an all american cast) and you can tell from the first few episodes that this is very different to most other commericialised efforts - there's no fluffy nonsense, no corny attempts at Holywood humour, nor is there any attempt to try and appeal/pander to the mainstream casual youth viewer. This is a serious affair, with a dark and mysterious vibe, that really gets going mid season (there's only 8 episodes).

Some of the acting is first class and the main characters continue to grow on you throughout - everybody plays their part well. The story is clever, creepy and very well written.

The genre is a mixture of a supernatural thriller and a mystery drama, that is laced with sci-fi elements and for those that are a fan of action/horror - there's lots of fights, murders and a tiny bit of gore. Whilst one of the main stroylines features a man and problematic changes within his wife, cheesy romance is defintely not on the menu.

The tension and intrgue builds throughout the show and the ending is complete, as the finale ties up the season nicely - it doesnn't end on an absolute cliff hanger but does of course leave it open for more.

If you have a spare 6 hours on a lazy sunday afternoon/evening, I'd recommend binge watching the whole thing in one, like a super long movie, as this doesn't appear to be the kind of thing you can casually dip in and out of. To fully experience and absorb the tale, I'd go for all in one.

A solid 8 out of 10 for originality and effort.

Intriguing Thriller About Life, Death and Possession

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 30 November 2014]

Made by BBC America, INTRUDERS is a supernatural thriller centering on a secret society Qui Reverti, which has advocated that immortality can be achieved by possessing another person's life. They believe that each member of the society has two souls; prior to the death one of the members, the soul is activated and invades someone else.

The narrative is a familiar one involving the basic quest involving Richard Shepherd (James Frain) and Jack Whalen (John Simm) to discover what has happened to the people around them. The story also involves a ten-year-old girl Madison O'Donnell (Millie Bobby Brown) who appears to have two discrete sides to her nature - one childish, the other distinctly adult.

Shot in deliberately faded colors by Philip Linzey, INTRUDERS creates a dystopian world stretching across several American cities - Seattle, Reno being two of them - drawing our attention to the extent of the intruders' power. The scenario is strongly reminiscent of INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956): apparently "normal" human beings turn out to be very different once their souls have been possessed by another person. The implication is clear - individuals must remain vigilant so as to protect themselves against possible corruption. Whether they can accomplish that task is another issue entirely.

In the mid-Fifties, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS was a thriller produced by the Cold War situation: many Americans feared that their nation would be "corrupted" by communism - hence the emphasis on Red-baiting that persisted from late in the previous decade to the early Sixties. INTRUDERS takes the same scenario and updates it, warning viewers about the possible "menace" of foreign inspired terrorism, that might encourage hitherto well-educated young Americans to veer from the path of democracy and pursue more drastic, if not violent, methods of achieving their aims. Once again we are exhorted to beware of "the enemy within" - by trying to protect ourselves, as well as rooting out those whom we believe have already been corrupted.

INTRUDERS is a fascinating, if structurally complicated piece; its plot-development is slow, forcing viewers to identify the links between its various strands by watching each episode. The links are allusive rather than overtly emphasized; it is up to us to make the connections. Hence the structure reinforces the theme; it is only by paying close attention to the story that we can acquire the vigilance that will prevent us from being invaded by the intruders.

Creepy, weird, intriguing, fantastic!

[MeltingGhostBaby · 8/10 · 23 September 2014]

Some people have been complaining about being confused after watching the pilot. To those people I say, who says a pilot has to lay out everything before you? Can it not just establish the mood and a general direction to color you intrigued without having to give a clear synopsis of what the series is about? Twin Peaks for example doesn't start to make sense until after the first season. What I mean to say by that is, just because a show starts out slowly and takes a few episodes to establish the characters and atmosphere doesn't mean it's bad. I liked Intruders very much so far, plot-wise we aren't given much answers until episode 6 or so, but it constantly keeps us guessing. The all around solid acting adds to the eerie mood and intriguing mystique. I am very curious where the story will lead and what strange revelations lie ahead.

Let's hope this gets renewed for a second season, Intruders is in my opinion currently one of the most intriguing horror/mystery series on television.

Heats up as you persevere

[vivnista · 7/10 · 25 November 2014]

Its starts a little slowly and weird. i was worried it was going to go a bit under the dome ridiculous. After the third episode i was hooked. The little girl is quite frankly, frighteningly good! I found myself needing to know what on earth was going on. I liked the ending too, which was satisfying, a little carrot dangle for a possible future series. There were a few loopholes that had my nose wrinkling but i forgave all and moved on. Some of the acting was also a little ropey but i do like john Simms so again, i got over it pretty quickly. A good Friday night whilst having a curry sort of show. I didn't play on the ipad whilst i watched it so it held my attention more than most!

You know what really takes away from this

[nicci1972 · 7/10 · 29 December 2020]

The same thing that carries most thrillers, mysteries and horrors - it takes the Protagonist TOO LONG to realize what is going on. Why is it so hard to believe what's going on when you jave already witnessed several things of proof?? But other than that, I liked this show and little (at the time) Millie Brown acted her butt off.

Astounding Acting Skills

[spitt1 · 9/10 · 17 September 2014]

Week after week, I am astounded by the acting skills of Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Madison on Intruders. She plays a person with seemingly multiple personality disorder, and the way she mimics her adult counterpart has me in chills. I would be severely disappointed if she isn't offered an Emmy for her acting on Intruders. She switches from a pretty young girl, to a mean crotchety man in seconds and leaves me wondering how she can embody both of these characters to this extent.

As for the show itself, it's still unfolding and I am drawn to the dark plot like no other. It's gritty and something I would expect from BBC UK, not anything out of the US. Kudos to the creators, writers, actors and directors. This show leaves me wanting only more.

Remember, what goes around, comes around.

Excellent method from the X-files

[christopher-dallas-113-229541 · 7/10 · 10 September 2014]

One of the successful methods with The X-files was Chris Carters' premise of, for every one question answered, 2 more are posed.

I found it intriguing, dark and mysterious. That's really difficult to accomplish now.

I suspect that a chunk of the negative reviews are from persons who want all of the answers up front.

I knew a guy that would finish a book in hours. I asked him how he could possibly do it. He said, "Simple. I just read the first and last paragraph of a book."

This is why we live in Idiocracy.

So sad there's only one season

[debdshaw60 · 10/10 · 7 June 2021]

I don't know why this series didn't do well. It's got everything. John Simm is brilliant. Millie Brown is fantastic, as always. You never knew where the plot was going to go next.

I don't understand the low reviews.

I think we have a winner

[ian-288-220596 · 7/10 · 25 August 2014]

I have only seen the first episode but I have a good feeling about "The Intruders". It grabs you from the start and uses a clever plot to keep you wondering and asking yourself questions. I hope it holds this level for the rest of the series. I think the idea behind the story line is good and well written. Some great acting from a young cast and I think it has a touch of "Fringe" and "X files" about it. UK Actor John Simm adds a further dimension to the plot as the moody ex cop. It's not another cop series. it's not wildly complex or too 'out there' Its really quite believable and I found myself hooked. This has the makings of an excellent series if the writers and producers don't cut the budget. It's hard these days to find a good series to hold your interest but I feel this one does. it's well worth a look.

Disjointed show lacking excitement or even emotions

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 13 October 2014]

There is a secret society which has beaten death by taking over other people's bodies. Amy Whelan (Mira Sorvino) disappears. Her husband former LAPD detective Jack (John Simm) goes in search of her and starts finding clues to the secret society. Little girl Madison O'Donnell (Millie Bobby Brown) goes on the run escaping the clutches of the murderous assassin Richard Shepherd (James Frain).

There is a dark disconnected nature to this show. Rather than one or even a group of lead characters together, this show follows several characters all on their own separate journeys. There are some connections over time, but it remains disjointed. The pacing is extremely slow. Any excitement is diffused quickly. Then there are the characters. Essentially, every character is playing another character. There is a mask drawn over all of these people. It distances these characters from any natural emotions. Mira Sorvino is doing one-note acting. James Frain is probably the best as the vicious cold assassin. I think he has some fun with this character. The little girl is awkward and the blame is all on the writing. She is trying to switch-act between old guy and sweetie girl. She's also given really stiff lines to deliver. "What goes around, Comes around." When that line was first delivered, I had to shake my head to make sure that she actually said it. It's not threatening. It's not powerful. It's laughable. Over the first 8 episodes, there is only one good show where Jack and Amy reunite. Their reunion is electric from start to finish. However one good episode out of eight is not nearly enough. After finishing the first season, I doubt I will continue even if the show gets renew.

Spectacular!

[viper_3 · 9/10 · 16 October 2014]

BBC America brings us a supernatural paranormal mystery thriller that surrounds a mysterious secret society named Qui Reverti, which for centuries has known that immortality can effectively be attained by taking control of another person's life. The premise is rather simple. Each person has two souls. Prior to the death of a member of Qui Reverti , their consciousness, and/or soul, is activated through the use of a trigger. (An object familiar to them in that life.) A Shepherd is given the task of activating them both prior to death, and again with that trigger once a life has been found that is suitable for intrusion. At least this is what we know so far. The show is shrouded in mystery which will make it quite appealing to anyone who enjoys the genre.

Based on the book "The Intruders" by Michael Marshall Smith, Intruders hosts an impressive ensemble of writers, directors, and actors to bring this show to life. Cast includes James Frain who plays Richard Shepherd, an assassin for hire and a shepherd/protector of Qui Reverti. Millie Brown who plays Madison O'Donnell, a 9 year old girl who is taken over by a centuries old serial killer named Marcus Fox. Mira Sorvino who plays Amy Whelan, a woman who is taken over by another woman named Rose Gilchrist. John Simm, who plays Amy's husband Jack Whelan, who is an ex-cop that gets caught in the middle of Qui Reverti's intrusion into his wife Amy's life and sets out to discover what happened to her.

Despite the somewhat slow story progression, and only 8 episodes in the season (hopefully there will be more) the combination of writing, acting and directing makes intruders one of the better new shows this year. The acting skills of Millie Brown at just 10 years old is simply astonishing. A phenomenal show! I for one have enjoyed this series immensely. I sure hope there is a 2nd season.

A must watch for any fan of paranormal or mystery.

9/10

Amazing rare gem

[jzv123 · 14 November 2014]

I sort of stumbled upon this series while checking the BBC iPlayer. Watched the four available episodes in one afternoon, as I found it fascinating, original and very intriguing. Downloaded the remaining four episodes as I simply could not wait a week to see episode 5. Needless to say, watched all four the next day.

Refreshingly good series, a total surprise to me as I never heard or read anything about it.

The atmosphere and the overall feeling is to some extent similar to the phenomenal "Orphan Black". A bit spooky, chilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I may be a bit biased here as that was another series that I knew nothing about beforehand and found excellent.

Anyway, I can definitively recommend "Intruders" to everyone who wishes to see something really good instead of the usual diet of bland interchangeable stuff.

Intriguing but sometimes confused and sometimes drags

[cherold · 7/10 · 15 July 2021]

Overall, I like this show. It creates a sense of mystery and intrigue and has a good cast. On the other hand, I feel it's a little too fond of the mystery, and I'd really like to see answers come at a faster clip.

The main thing that keeps me watching is the creepy little girl (played by Millie Bobby Brown, who went on to greater success with Stranger Things). She is so good, in such a disturbing way, that she *makes* the show in the way Agent Cooper made Twin Peaks.

That was bobbins

[hortonstrip · 4/10 · 10 December 2014]

very disappointed with this, in fact after about 5 episodes i gave up, but then finished watching the series merely because i felt i had to, otherwise i would have wasted 5 hours of my life! The plot line was complicated in a not fun way and also full of holes, the acting was generally poor, (especially John Simms terrible American accent, and everything he said with it), the direction was shabby, the tension was non-existent after you found out what was supposed to be happening, Jihn Simms characters "journey" was not very convincing, and it was basically just poor all around. Plenty of genuinely intelligent and original sci-fi and horror without having to resort to this cod-mysticism.

Don't bother

season 1 ep 1

[winter-07036 · 14 March 2020]

It looks like this will be good, but I am not one for animal cruelty surprises as I can't handle that and/or pretending it to happen thank you

It never quite gets off the ground

[ten-thousand-marbles · 6/10 · 15 December 2021]

It's not a bad little show but it seems to struggle under its own weight. There's too much going on and the unfolding of the story drags on. The show may have caught some traction had it lasted longer. I do need to point out one huge bright spot. Young actresses Millie Bobby Brown steals the show as nine years old Madison. She give a solid, sometimes chilling performance. Hopefully we'll see more of this bright young start.

MBB is fabulous, intriguing story, dishonest ending

[bosporan · 6/10 · 4 April 2022]

A Curate's Egg of a show - excellent in parts, abysmal in others.

The good: 1) Sublime breakout performance from a ten-year old Millie Bobby Brown. She is the star of the show and plays effectively two characters with a story arc central to the plot. Despite any misgivings I have, the show is worth watching for this alone! 2) An excellent concept with a decent (if at times laboured) reveal pace. 3) Some strong performances from other central characters, namely: John Simms, Mira Sorvino and James Frain.

The bad: 1) The rest of the cast are wooden, not fleshed out and lazily used largely as props by the writers. 2) Most egregiously - The plot is complex and confusing with many strands running. This is fabulous until a 60 second scene wipes it all away with the ridiculous Deus ex Machina logic of a nine-year old to wrap up the whole show.

this show is so spooky and great

[eborella63 · 10/10 · 18 September 2014]

I watched the first episode and thought that the show is slow, but I decided to watch the second episode, and I'm so glad I did, the story is getting better and better and I love the little girl, she is a great actress, she plays the characters (yes, she changes from a 9 year old to an old man in seconds), and she delivers, oh my, she does... she scares me...the show is really great....and I can't wait to see the story behind Shepperd....I do hope they continue with it..I will keep watching and using my brains to try to find out what or who the people are...all the actors are really good, excellent performance and writing..but again just the little girl would keep me watching it forever, she deserves an Oscar (oh well an Emmy)....

Definitely gotten better

[km2442 · 9/10 · 28 September 2014]

Intruders took a little while to unfold, but it was worth giving the patience of the first couple of episodes. It's very enigmatic, in a most intriguing sort of way. I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm surprised by the low ratings, but I could see how some people wouldn't want to stick with it. It has currents of darkness and violence. And there are some graphic scenes with a child that could be off putting for some. Since I love American Horror Story, this is really nothing in that league. Anyway, color me compelled and along for the ride to see the mysteries unfold. You have to stick through the first two to three episodes, but I find that to be true with premiere shows anyway as there is a great deal of background to be told. Patience folks...it's worth it.

Accessibility People

[LouieInLove · 5/10 · 26 August 2014]

Every new TV series must have a pilot episode that is well written and acted, this leads to an ease of accessibility for the viewer. These things are a simple must! Unfortunately "Intruders" does not offer them.

The show stars John Simm, who's a fantastic actor in my opinion. The show also has several other actors of note. Therefore the foundations of a good cast are in place for success. However the actors are let down by poor writing. The first episode is far too disjointed to allow for accessibility. I started to drift whilst watching.

Nevertheless my attention was sparked by a scene near the end, the one with the wee girl in the bathroom. This was simply because it was bordering on farce. Thrice times, "what have I done?" she screams into cupped hands. I honestly cringed and felt sorry for the poor wee thing trying to deliver such tripe! Furthermore, there's something about the role of the wee girl which makes me wince. I don't know if it's because of substandard lines or If the young actress simply isn't up to the job, possibly a mixture of both?

I realise that show business is an extraordinarily sycophantic industry, therefore it may be easy to be led off-course by pseudo compliment. However if those involved with the show are going to be honest with themselves, they need to sit down and watch this first episode without favour. If they do so, I'm sure they will come to a similar conclusion as myself.

I won't mark it until I have seen the second episode. However if I was to vote now it would get 5 stars, simply because of the time and effort that goes into the making.

*Just watched the second episode and this series is wanting. If someone told me it was written by a teenage student, I wouldn't be surprised. It's just poorly constructed and hammy. Some of the lines are that bad they're funny. There appears to be a penchant for repetition here, the writers like to use the three times line.

Excellent Cast, Original Story

[brandon-234 · 10/10 · 5 October 2014]

This has been an excellent series so far. The concept is original, the cast is superb, and the acting is wonderful. Millie Bobby Brown and Mira Sorvino specifically deliver performances worthy of awards. John Simm and James Frain are also fantastic in the series. The first few episodes were a little slow, but once you get past those few episodes and are well acquainted with the characters and the story, it's an addictive ride. This is a series that is more cerebral than many network or cable action-packed series. For me, this story was so compelling that I never missed the crutch of special effects or fight sequences that many other series depend upon.

Into the souls

[Prismark10 · 3/10 · 11 December 2014]

I was intrigued by Intruders. Its co-produced by BBC Worldwide, with several British actors such as John Simm doing a US accent but the girl playing Madison, (Millie Bobby Brown) is outstanding but I felt Mira Sorvino was wasted.

Intruders is adapted by Glen Morgan, one of the star writers for The X Files. When his wife Amy Whelan (Mira Sorvino) disappears, her husband a former LA cop Jack Whelan (John Simm) goes in search for her and discovers a secret society that has discovered a way to cheat death as their souls take over other people's bodies. It looks like Amy is not who Jack thought she was.

Madison O'Donnell a little girl who is on the run as she tries to escape an assassin who is also a shepherd for the secret society as the souls leave and enter the various bodies.

The show starts dense and stays that way and frankly gets worse as the series goes on. Its rather disconnected as we follow various characters and confusing because some of the characters have had multiple lives. The little girl, Madison is also inhabited by a murderous old man who is fighting over her soul.

The series tanked in the ratings in the UK where it failed to gain a foothold. It seems even British viewers failed to be swept up with this supernatural series because it was adamant to stay dark and dense.

Intruding on Reality is a good thing!

[ItalianBombshell · 10/10 · 13 January 2015]

I was skeptical at the beginning, especially with the use of the little girl. I've never been one to like movies, television, etc. that depict children doing adult things, speaking like adults, and behaving like adults. That said, after understanding the concept,I struggled to push the child aside and attack the material at hand. By the second episode, I was in! Smartly written and beautifully acted, Intruders did not disappoint. Each episode left sufficient cliffhangers to find myself lucky that we had recorded the entire series. My spouse and I binged-watched the series. Oooohhhhhh my my my, it was perfect that way. I can't imagine waiting a week to find out what happened next. My spouse and I devoted a Saturday to watching and we are left wanting more. I understand that BBC may not pick up Intruders for a second season. I'm pretty shocked at the thought. I feel as though I need to know what Jack, et . al are going to do next. What his triggers are, and who his host would be. I read the book and found it true to the series. In our options for television viewing, I'm constantly surprised when programs like, Honey Boo-boo can gain a following, but a well thought out, well acted program like this stands on shaky ground. A little less, American Horror Stories, a little more Intruders!

Spirit from members of a cult possess bodies and people are dying while Jack struggles to find answers.

[bulosan11 · 10/10 · 13 October 2014]

Best show on BBC America; adult with no fluff. Acting is incredible and the story is totally compelling. I love how it unfolds as we learn more about each character and are surprised by revelations and some rather amazing triumphs. Millie Bobby Brown is just an incredible child actor; hard to believe she's just a child, but she is. I am amazed at how at least three of these actors are English yet they pull off flawless American accents. Scenes between characters are intense, riveting; especially between Jack and Gary and Madison/Marcus and everyone. The show simply does not disappoint. The timing is fantastic, we find out what we need to know when we need to know it. Show leaves you wanting to learn more.

In the Beginning there was Death

[swooffitt · 3/10 · 14 July 2021]

Oh dear. I bought this series on Amazon, having been impressed by Millie Bobby Brown's performance in Stranger Things. Apparently Stephen King saw Intruders, was so impressed by her acting chops in the show and suggested she would be excellent for the part of Eleven. He was totally right, by the way. She is amazing in this show but that's the only positive thing about it. Perhaps I'm being a tad harsh and it may well be a bit like Marmite: it divides opinion. It seems you either love it or really don't like it.

Some of the acting is transparent and I want to believe in the characters and be swept up in their story, not think about the acting. The moment that happens, the spell is broken. This happens with the lead character a lot. It might be about his accent. I could forgive that but not so the script. I've watched through to episode 5 and that was enough for me. It just doesn't make any sense.