Film Review: The Surprise Visit (2021)

The Surprise Visit

Hoodoo Productions/Vertical Entertainment

Release date: 01/14/2022

My Rating: 7/10

#whatonwhatsgood Fan Club Rating: 66%

#whatonwhatsgood Express Review (by: Jovin Tardif)

Director Nick Lyon's thriller/drama film starts off with meth addict Casey (Rob Riordan) asking his dad Hugh (Eric Roberts) for help and a job. But his dad says no.  

While talking to his father, Casey learns that his dad's boss, Mrs. Dixon, will be out of town for the weekend.  Hugh's boss is extremely wealthy and has tons of jewelry.  

We meet his drug addict girlfriend Annabelle (Jacqi Vene) and find out she is pregnant.  Desperate to provide for his girlfriend and unborn child, Casey decides he wants to rob Mrs. Dixon’s house.  

In Casey's mind, stealing seems like the only solution because they’re broke and meth addicts.

In the meantime, we learn that Mrs. Dixon’s daughter Juliette (Serah Henesey) and her husband, Daniel, (Johnny Santiago) plan on surprising her mother this weekend.

Will this be a simple robbery or will there be complications? 

Will the junkie son and his pregnant wife give up or commit another crime? 

Overall, it is an interesting film.  Casey (Rob Riordan) and Annabelle (Jacqi Vene) did a great job playing desperate drug addicts.

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Directed by 

Nick Lyon

Writer 

Stephen Meier

Story By 

Serah Henesey

Story by 

Nathan Cowles 

Developed By

Andrew Fein 

Starring

Eric Roberts as Hugh

Serah Henesey as Juliette

Rob Riordan as Casey

Jacqi Vene as Annabelle

Johnny Santiago as Daniel

Tricia Hawn as Mrs. Dixon

Director of Photography: Nate Haban

Editor 

Nick Lyon

Composer 

Chris Ridenhour

Director Nick Lyon discusses The Surprise Visit 

“I love that THE SURPRISE VISIT is based on a true story that explores the themes of class difference and how desperation can make people do things that they might not otherwise do. The film is an American tragedy. I chose to tell THE SURPRISE VISIT in a gritty and realistic style that was complemented by deep and intense performances from the talented cast. Beyond the film’s thriller veneer, it delivers incredibly dramatic performances, that to this day still send chills through me. Working with the cast and small crew was an amazing experience. In a secluded Virginia setting, we were able to create a very intimate atmosphere that everyone embraced the fullest. I also love that we shot the film at the actual location where the inspiration for the story took place. That just added to the authenticity. It was a pleasure to have contributed to this film and is one I am very proud to have directed.”