Unwelcome – Unadulterated Fun B-Movie Horror (Early Review)

Based solely on the trailers and the film’s synopsis alone, Unwelcome seems pretty nuts. Looking and sounding like a horror film reminiscent of iconic B-movies of the past, there is nothing audiences can do to prepare for the insanity that is about to unfold.

Unwelcome is an uneven Irish creature feature full of some dull performances, questionable dialogue and rough pacing. However, its surprisingly deep themes and unsettling atmosphere make for an interesting, slightly elevated horror experience. This is before mentioning the absurdity that unfolds as the film goes on. The story is centered around a couple named Maya (John-Kamen) and Jamie (Booth) who escape to the tranquility of Ireland, after a violent attack in their urban apartment. Upon their arrival, they are fed stories about the mysterious creatures that live in the woods at the foot of their garden. The neighbors warn the couple that these creatures come to help souls in dire need of rescue, but their aid comes at a cost.

An attack on the couple sets the tone right away and creates a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere while also raising the stakes as a result of Maya’s own pregnancy. As a result, the couple move to the scenic yet eerie landscape of Ireland to meet some mysterious neighbors. Now mysterious communities in quaint rural towns are nothing new but they still make for a great gimmick. Toying with the idea, the film quickly flips it on its head where everything seemed right but for one deranged family.

Meanwhile, Unwelcome was filled with some deep themes it tackled pretty well with PTSD and toxic masculinity at the forefront. Grounding the film albeit slightly, they couldn’t quite distract from its utter nonsense. That being said, it isn’t necessarily a knock against it as it was still a fun watch especially once all sense and logic are thrown out the window and the film goes truly off the wall so much so that it has to be seen to be believed.

The film isn’t perfect by any means as its flaws are clear to see. Firstly, its pacing holds it back from greatness. Starting off quick, the film then slows down and almost remains at that slow pace until the end, emphasizing atmosphere above all else, before picking up during its final act. That quicker pace helps the final act but the film as a whole would have fared much better had it ramped up consistently over the course of the story. Next, the dialogue was unrealistic and just didn’t make sense. Though the cast tried their best with it, even their performances couldn’t hide its absurdity. However, the cast weren’t exactly on their A-game either. Sporting the likes of John-Kamen, Booth, Meaney, and Kristian Nairn, the film should have produced greater performances than it did. 

At the end of the day, Unwelcome is pure unadulterated fun whose nonsensical final act helps make up for many of its faults but certainly can’t hide them. This Irish creature features little to no sense whatsoever and by the time credits roll, audiences are sure to not care and just appreciate the wild rollercoaster ride. For those who love the B-movies of the past, this one is likely to tickle that itch. However, for those who aren’t fans of the subgenre, it is one that can easily be skipped.

*still courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.