WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Intrusion, now streaming on Netflix.
In many marriage stories, whether on TV or on the big screen, the emotional problems couples endure feel a bit predictable. Netflix’s Intrusion, however, adds a new, intriguing dimension to this genre, as it focuses on Henry (Logan Marshall-Green) living a double life right under Meera’s (Freida Pinto) nose in their isolated desert home in Corrales. And as the audience learns more about his secret psychopathic life, the movie provides both the best and worst failed marriage story.
Now, the genre has had quite a few turbulent rides over the last couple of decades, with movies like Pieces of a Woman and Manchester by the Sea dealing with partners breaking up after the death of a child. There’s also been Blue Valentine addressing infidelity, A Marriage Story detailing career addiction and HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, which tackles its fair share of sensitive topics. But those projects portray the problems everyone goes through, and while relatable, it’s rudimentary. Intrusion, on the other hand, shows how Henry has a different side to him, one that kidnaps a young girl. It’s psychological torture, made even worse by him being such a nice guy as he takes care of Meera following her cancer battle.
Intrusion adds a thrilling horror flair to the perfect marriage, giving viewers something a bit more cerebral than just cheating, juggling a work-relationship balance or figuring out if your partner is right for you. That’s because, to Henry, Meera is his true love, but these sadistic acts help balance out his stress.
But their dynamic is also horrifying in the sense that it shows the duality and hidden monsters spouses don’t know they’re with. Sure, everyone has secrets, such as feelings for exes, bouts of not being fulfilled and regrets, but in those stories, the spouses know what each other’s capabilities are. In Intrusion, however, it’s shocking to see how Henry has zero limits. Meera has to watch her Prince Charming deceive her, reinforcing that you really can’t trust anyone, not even the person you commit your life to.
This arc about skeletons from the past isn’t easy to handle, with Meera realizing the murderous mastermind living with her has been doing this for years, all while searching for the idea of her. It turns the stomachs of those cynical about love and leaves hopeless romantics second-guessing if they really know the person they’re with, making Intrusion an educational yet terrifying look into relationships.
To see how Henry deceives Meera, Intrusion is now streaming on Netflix.
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