Episode Summary: In this episode of the @filmandfurniture Podcast, host Paula Benson sits down with filmmaker Nadia Conners, writer and director of The Uninvited, for a deeply insightful conversation about storytelling, interiors, and how architecture and décor can reflect the inner lives of characters. Set in a house in the Hollywood Hills over the course of one unsettling evening, The Uninvited is rich in emotional nuance, stylish design, and layered symbolism.
Nadia reveals the real-life inspiration behind the film (an unexpected visit from a stranger du...
Episode Summary: In this episode of the @filmandfurniture Podcast, host Paula Benson sits down with filmmaker Nadia Conners, writer and director of
The Uninvited, for a deeply insightful conversation about storytelling, interiors, and how architecture and décor can reflect the inner lives of characters. Set in a house in the Hollywood Hills over the course of one unsettling evening,
The Uninvited is rich in emotional nuance, stylish design, and layered symbolism.
Nadia reveals the real-life inspiration behind the film (an unexpected visit from a stranger during a party), shares her philosophical approach to home and identity, and confirms that she is, officially, becoming a fan of Film and Furniture! We also discover her husband—actor Walton Goggins (The White Lotus, Justified, The Hateful Eight) and star of The Uninvited—is a passionate and talented interior designer in his own right.
🎯 Episode Highlights
🏡 The House as Character
The house in The Uninvited is more than a location—it’s a nest, a prison, and a symbol of memory, identity and passing time.
🖋️ Art Imitates Life
Nadia shares the real story of a stranger walking into her own party, which became the spark for the film’s entire plot.
🎭 The Roles We Play
Rose (played by Elizabeth Reaser) is a reluctant mother and hostess—caught between her past as an actress and her current role as wife and mother, explored visually through costume and setting.
🪞 Vanitas Tableaux and Metaphor
From sculptural flowers to red velvet dresses made from theatre curtains, every item in the house carries symbolic weight. Nadia draws inspiration from vanitas paintings and the diorama-like framing of domestic life.
🛋️ Eclectic Interior Design
Discover the film’s richly layered mix of Art Deco, mid-century, and contemporary design—featuring Mario Bellini sofas, Danish dining chairs, Sputnik chandeliers and more.
🛠️ Walton Goggins: Actor and Interior Aficionado
Nadia credits her husband, actor Walton Goggins, as a “genius” interior decorator—scouting antiques, sourcing rare pieces, and shaping their real-life spaces.
🎬 Designing on a Budget
Shot in 15 days on a tight budget, Nadia explains how one real house served as the entire film set—and how its layout and flexibility made the storytelling possible.
📹 Beautiful Surveillance
Nadia describes her approach as “beautiful surveillance”—transforming alcoves, bathrooms and closets into emotional micro-stages through framing, light and texture.
🎭 Guest & Host Info
Guest: Nadia Conners – Writer and Director of The Uninvited (2024) and Co-Director of The 11th Hour (2007)
Host: Paula Benson – Founder and Editor of Film and Furniture
🎞️ Films & People Mentioned
The Uninvited (2024) – Nadia’s narrative directorial debut.
The White Lotus, Justified, The Hateful Eight – Films/TV shows starring Walton Goggins.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Bergman, Woody Allen, Noah Baumbach – Creative influences discussed.
🔗 Links & Resources
Read our article on The Uninvited’s house and design (Coming soon to FilmandFurniture.com)
Discover furniture and décor seen in The Uninvited film: https://filmandfurniture.com/film/the-uninvited/
Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive content and giveaways: https://filmandfurniture.com/membership/
📺 When to Watch/Listen to This Episode?
This episode is perfect before or after watching The Uninvited. It contains insights that will deepen your appreciation of the film’s themes, set design, and nuanced characters. If you love film, design, or smart satire, this is one to linger on.
🎨 Credits
Film and Furniture Founder and Editor: Paula Benson
Episode Video/Podcast Editor: Paula Benson
Graphics: Paul West (@Form Design and Branding)
With thanks to: Nadia Conners, Foton.Pictures, Rosebud Pictures, ARPR.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share with fellow design and film fans!
#TheUninvited #NadiaConners #FilmAndFurniture #SetDesign #InteriorDesign #ProductionDesign #WaltonGoggins
