Home Invasion has long been a sub-genre predominantly installed within the horror category and rightfully so. Home invasion occurs when someone unlawfully gains entry to a private dwelling in order to commit a violation upon the resident. In most instances the perpetrator’s intention is to cause psychical or psychological violence. Through evolution, we have ingrained the image of our home being our safe-haven, a place to where we can retreat and feel protected from the outside world. But if cinema has taught us one thing, it is to never rest on our laurels.
The following films all contain instances of home invasion, some more than others. As one of the most crucial ingredients in these movies is tension, I have tried not to include spoilers but as ever, proceed at your own risk.
1. Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
Starring Hollywood heavyweights, Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster, Sorry, Wrong Number is a slick film-noir released in 1948 and set in New York. The story is told in a series of flashbacks and is almost played in real time.
Leona Stevenson (Stanwyck) is the bedridden daughter of a rich pharmaceutical business owner. Whilst trying to ring her already late from work husband Henry (Lancaster), she experiences a cross-wire connection and overhears a plot to murder a woman at 11.15. Without hearing any more details, she desperately calls the police to inform them, however with so little information; the policeman advises that they are powerless to investigate any further.
Certainly a film where the less known the better, you can look forward to a compelling and suspenseful ending. With death creeping outside her door, can Leona devise an escape? And where has her husband been all this time?
Very Hitchcockian in style, Sorry, Wrong Number is a classic insight into paranoia and helplessness. Containing superb cinematography and fantastic performances from both Stanwyck and Lancaster, this is a nerve-racking film that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you are a fan of Rear Window, you’ll love this.
2. Suddenly (1954)
Starring Frank Sinatra and Sterling Hayden, Suddenly is a 1954 drama from director Lewis Allen. With the U.S President scheduled to visit a small American town, the local community finds its peace interrupted by a violent lunatic, plotting an assassination attempt.
In this town lives the Benson family, which contains Widow Ellen, her 8 year old son Pidge, and Pop, the boy’s grandfather. With the tranquil town well-guarded by the gallant sheriff Todd (Hayden), the Benson family see no real cause for alarm when they get a knock at the door from the FBI.
What they don’t realise is that their house has been identified as the perfect location for an ambush on the president and that these self-proclaimed FBI men are actually hired assassins, intent on eliminating him. Fronted by the callous John Barron (Sinatra), the hoods take over the home and hold the family captive whilst they await the arrival of the President. Will the sheriff risk the lives of the innocent family and thwart the assassination attempt? Or can the crazed Baron get his shot at the President?
A tense and low-budget thriller, Suddenly is an entertaining and well-acted tale of suspense.
3. Dial M for Murder (1954)
Adapted from the extremely well-written and successful play of the same title, Dial M for Murder stars Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cumings. Under the expert direction of Alfred Hitchcock, the film is almost entirely shot in one location. Well known for what many describe as one of the best murder mysteries of all time ,Dial M for Murder is one of Hitchcock’s more subtle tales of suspense.
Tony Wendice (Milland) is an ex professional tennis player, living in a stylish flat with his well-off and beautiful wife Margot (Kelly). Seemingly already having all you could possibly ask for in life, Tony devises a plan to kill his wife, in order to inherit her money. With the plan taking effect when her close friend Mark (Cummings) comes to visit, we witness every angle, in Tony’s bid to execute the perfect murder.
A complex and scrupulous thriller, Dial M for Murder is perfectly scripted and performs impeccably, as the compelling, claustrophobic classic that it is. Containing immaculately constructed dialogue, this 60 year old masterpiece continues to get better with age.
4. Wait Until Dark (1967)
One of the most impressive readings on an actor’s resume, is when they can successfully play a part in a film, that no-one would expect them to even attempt. In 1967’s Wait until Dark, Audrey Hepburn absolutely shattered her type casted role of the playful, but regal, good-time girl. Brilliantly directed by Terence Young, this thriller stars Hepburn as a young blind woman who is the victim of home invasion.
The film starts with a man named Sam being handed a doll by a complete stranger, whilst he is in an airport. Unbeknown to him, the doll is filled with Heroin. With the doll in seemingly high demand, three crooks arrive at Sam’s home to fetch the reward. With Sam sent out on a mock work engagement, that leaves Susy (Hepburn), a recently blinded young woman, alone in the property.
After gaining entry due to a detailed but innocuous story, it is not before long that things start to get complicated, especially with the help of Suzy’s helpful young neighbour, Gloria. Can Suzy outsmart the conmen that not only seem hell-bent on acquiring the doll but in destroying her in the process?
In this superb, gutsy thriller, the director brilliantly constructs suspense by letting the viewer see more than what the victim can. Then, ingeniously, he throws us into the same position as our on-screen hero, as Suzy smashes all the lights, leaving us all in complete darkness. Wait until Dark is an outstanding tight-knit shocker, that culminates in a pinnacle of suspense and terror.
5. In Cold Blood (1967)
Based on what is arguably the quintessential crime novel, which was written by Truman Capote, In Cold Blood is a chilling account of the murder of an innocent family. Despite approaching 50 years old, this film still sets the bar for any up and coming crime drama.
Two ex-cons, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, decide to act on a robbery tip off from Dick’s one time cellmate, Floyd. A seemingly straight forward job, the aim is to gain access to the farmhouse home of the Clutter family, locate the safe containing $10,000 and escape safely with the loot. In Dick’s own words, it was a ‘sure-fire cinch’.
However, instead of this routine heist, the two men wound up slaughtering the entire family, consisting of mother and father, brother and sister, after no safe or money was found. We then watch the two immature and unstable criminals, as they go on the run, dodging police and border jumping back and forth from USA to Mexico. With a stunningly powerful conclusion, we witness the downfall of the felons as both guilt and justice close in on the killers.
Hauntingly filmed in black and white, with sensational cinematography, (particularly the scene with Perry discussing his childhood, whilst the rain on the window reflects his tears) In Cold Blood is a compelling and emotional portrayal of a shocking story.
6. Straw Dogs (1971)
Directed by the brilliant Sam Peckinpah, 1971’s Straw Dogs, is a notoriously controversial film, renowned for its scenes of violence and rape. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Susan George as a young married couple who make plans to renovate their newly acquired property. With a fascinating and thrilling climax, we witness the transformation of a man, seemingly trampled upon his entire life, turned into a maddened guardian, involuntarily pressurised into defending not only his property but his pride.
David (Hoffman) and Amy (George) hire several local men to renovate their new residence, an isolated cottage-like building, surrounded by the lonely countryside. Despite this being Amy’s hometown, David is met with hostility and being the introvert that he is, does not retaliate to the natives’ adolescent jibes. Things however, begin to get serious, when social boundaries are broken; confrontation inevitably leads to catastrophic circumstances. Very much the case of the wounded beast being at its most dangerous, the inner David is unleashed, with explosive and savage results.
Regarded as one of Peckinpah’s best, this film confirms that anyone is capable of violence when their constraints are breached. Straw Dogs is a violent and gritty cult favourite that is both thought provoking and emotional.