Directed by
Deon Taylor
Made by
Screen Gems
Discover the intricate plot of The Intruder (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
While Scott and Annie are exploring a property in Napa Valley that piques their interest, they are captivated by a deer playfully wandering through the nearby woods. Suddenly, their tranquil moment is shattered when a man with a rifle storms past them and ruthlessly shoots the deer.
After moving into their new home in Napa Valley, Scott and Annie quickly realize they are not alone. The previous owner, Charlie Peck, becomes fixated on observing their every move. Despite Scott’s irritation, Annie feels compassion for Charlie, who shared that his wife succumbed to cancer and that he plans to relocate to Florida to live with his daughter.
During a dinner occasion with their friends, Mike and his wife, Mike steps outside for a smoke and gets an unsettling feeling of being watched. After he carelessly discards his cigarette, he is alarmed to discover a burn mark on the seat of his luxury car the following morning—something that wasn’t there before.
Charlie’s frequent, uninvited appearances, where he mows the lawn and chastises workers installing a security system, raise Scott’s suspicions. Mike insists that the couple is being monitored, but both Scott and Annie remain skeptical. To prove his point, Mike convinces Scott to investigate behind the house, where they spot an unfamiliar vehicle driving away quickly.
The tension between Scott and Annie escalates when Annie learns that Scott had a brief affair with a client before they married. While out at a bar, a client illicitly kisses Scott, leading him to realize that Annie’s concerns are justified. When he returns home, an argument ensues, but they eventually reconcile after a startling noise awakens them at night, leading to an intimate moment, entirely unaware that Charlie is lurking nearby.
A neighbor reveals the tragic backstory of Charlie’s wife Ellen, who took her own life using one of Charlie’s shotguns. Concerned for their safety, Scott asks Mike to conduct further inquiries about him. Yet Charlie’s fixation on Annie deepens as he begins to show up while Scott is away. One day, while jogging, Scott is suddenly struck by a truck—driven by Charlie himself.
In the hospital, Scott calls Mike, who rushes to visit him. Scott tells Mike about Charlie’s troubled past, mentioning that he once lived with his wife and daughter in deep financial trouble, forcing him to sell the house. When Charlie unexpectedly arrives at their home, Annie, oblivious to the danger, invites him inside. Mike goes to check on her and confronts Charlie, who chillingly informs him that he believes he can reclaim everything he lost—which includes getting rid of Scott.
In a terrifying turn of events, Mike is brutally murdered by Charlie wielding an axe. Seeking answers, Scott tries to reach out to Cassidy, Charlie’s daughter, but she hangs up when Scott mentions the home. Later, Cassidy calls back, revealing that her father killed her mother after she threatened to leave him. She now lives in hiding, determined to protect herself from Charlie.
Annie uncovers a chilling underground cellar linked to their home, which Charlie has been using as a hideout and where he has unceremoniously stored Mike’s body. In a climactic confrontation, Scott returns home to find Charlie attempting to assault Annie. They manage to fight him off and seize his gun after striking him with a baseball bat.
In a tense moment, Scott urges Annie, who is ready to call 911, saying, >“Make the call, just make the call.” Annie hastily informs the police, “My husband has just shot an intruder,” while Charlie screams, “You don’t deserve Foxglove!” Ending with a grim statement, Scott tells Charlie, “Go to hell,” as he fires the gun, and the screen fades to darkness.
Track the key events of The Intruder (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Exploring Napa Valley
Scott and Annie are captivated by the beauty of a property in Napa Valley that piques their interest. Their moment of tranquility is abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of a deer, which adds to the serene atmosphere around them.
Deer Shooting Incident
As Scott and Annie enjoy their peaceful exploration, a man bursts into the scene armed with a rifle. Without hesitation, he ruthlessly shoots the deer, shattering the couple's peaceful moment and foreshadowing the tension to come.
Moving into Their New Home
After relocating to their new house, Scott and Annie quickly realize that they have an uninvited guest in the form of Charlie Peck, the previous owner. While Scott grows increasingly irritated by Charlie's persistent presence, Annie feels sympathy for his tragic past.
Charlie's Obsession
Charlie Peck begins to exhibit strange behaviors, appearing frequently and observing the couple from a distance. Despite Scott's growing concerns, Annie remains empathetic to Charlie's plight, unaware of the extent of his fixation on her.
Mike's Unsettling Experience
During a dinner with friends, Mike feels watched after stepping outside for a smoke. The next day, he discovers a mysterious burn mark on his luxury car's seat, heightening the sense of paranoia surrounding Scott and Annie.
Investigating the Strange Occurrences
Scott, urged by Mike's suspicions, decides to investigate behind their house. They spot an unfamiliar vehicle leaving the premises at high speed, amplifying Scott's concerns about their safety and Charlie's intentions.
Annie Learns About Scott's Past
Tensions rise when Annie discovers that Scott had a brief affair before their marriage. Feeling justified, Annie confronts Scott, leading to an intense argument that ultimately ends in reconciliation after a strange noise disrupts their evening.
Charlie's Dark Past Revealed
A neighbor discloses the tragic story of Charlie's late wife, Ellen, who ended her life using one of Charlie's guns. This revelation intensifies Scott's concern for Annie's well-being, prompting him to investigate Charlie further.
The Truck Incident
While jogging, Scott experiences a harrowing moment when he is deliberately struck by a truck driven by Charlie. This alarming incident intensifies Scott's fear regarding Charlie's unstable behavior and obsession.
The Confrontation with Charlie
After being hospitalized, Scott learns more about Charlie's troubled past and his desire to reclaim his former life. When Charlie visits while Scott is away, Annie unwittingly invites him inside, leading to a tense encounter.
Mike's Murder
In a shocking turn of events, Charlie violently murders Mike with an axe while Lauren attempts to gather information on him. This brutal act sends shockwaves through Scott and Annie's lives as they realize the danger they are truly in.
Revelations from Cassidy
Scott reaches out to Cassidy, Charlie's daughter, in hopes of understanding the danger they face. Cassidy reveals chilling truths about Charlie's past, including his violent history, and stresses the importance of staying hidden from him.
Annie Discovers the Cellar
In a shocking moment, Annie finds an underground cellar connected to their home, revealing that Charlie has been using it as a hideout. She uncovers Mike's body, confirming the couple's worst fears about their neighbor's madness.
The Climactic Encounter
Scott arrives home just in time to find Charlie attempting to assault Annie. In a desperate struggle, Scott and Annie manage to overpower Charlie, leading to a frantic fight for survival as they seize his gun.
A Grim Resolution
In the final, tense moments, Annie calls the police, revealing the dire situation to the operator. As Scott confronts Charlie with the gun, they exchange chilling words, culminating in a tragic ending as the screen fades to black, suggesting a dark fate ahead.
Meet the characters that bring The Intruder (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Charlie Peck (Dennis Quaid)
Charlie Peck is portrayed as a deeply troubled individual whose fixation on the new homeowners stems from unresolved grief and loss. He oscillates between being sympathetic and menacing, revealing a fragile psyche that spirals into violence. His actions are driven by a desire to reclaim what he has lost, making him a complex antagonist.
Annie (Meagan Good)
Annie is a compassionate character who initially feels sympathy for Charlie and attempts to connect with him. However, as the narrative unfolds, her protective instincts for her husband override her initial compassion. Her empathy becomes a source of conflict as she navigates the dangers posed by Charlie.
Scott (Michael Ealy)
Scott is portrayed as a pragmatic husband who struggles with the pressures of his new life and past mistakes. His journey through doubt and conflict reveals his vulnerabilities, especially when faced with Charlie's looming threat. His character evolves from skepticism to determination, ultimately fighting to protect his family.
Mike (Joseph Sikora)
Mike serves as a loyal friend who senses the danger surrounding Scott and Annie. His protective nature motivates him to investigate Charlie's odd behavior. Unfortunately, his pursuit of answers leads to tragic consequences, making him a pivotal character in the unfolding drama.
Uncover the settings of The Intruder (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a modern context, reflecting contemporary issues such as privacy invasion and domestic strife. It subtly addresses themes of personal relationships in the face of external threats, capturing a sense of urgency and tension prevalent in today's society.
Location
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a renowned wine country located in Northern California, famous for its picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. The serene environment is often associated with luxury living, making it a desirable location for homeowners. However, in this story, the idyllic setting contrasts sharply with the dark events that unfold.
Explore the core themes of The Intruder (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Betrayal
Betrayal plays a critical role in the narrative, particularly through Scott's past affair and Charlie's obsessive behavior. The emotional and physical betrayals intertwine, creating tension and driving the plot forward. It highlights the fragility of trust in relationships amid external pressures.
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Obsession
Obsession is showcased through Charlie's fixation on Annie and his inability to let go of the past. His behavior escalates from benign to threatening, illustrating how unchecked obsession can lead to dangerous consequences. The theme drives the narrative and highlights the impact of unresolved grief.
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Home Invasion
The concept of home invasion is central to the movie, as Charlie's unwelcome presence disrupts Scott and Annie's supposed sanctuary. The tension builds as the characters grapple with the vulnerability of their home and personal lives. Ultimately, it enforces the idea that a home should be a safe haven and not a site of distress.
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