It Lives Inside

It Lives Inside, emanating from the hallowed halls of horror cinema in 2018, is not just another jump-scare fueled horror movie. Instead, it's an engaging and intimate exploration into the genres darker, psychological and deeply terrorizing entities. The movie delivers a penchant for suspense and the chillingly unexpected, powered by the eerie performances of its main cast Laurie Cummings, Alissa Ford, and Reese Hollingsworth.

The film blends narrative and genre in ambitious ways while grounding its plot in an exploration of the reality-distorting terror of mental instability. It Lives Inside begins with a rather relatable character in a small town whose life changes drastically, setting off a series of unfortunate and terrifying events.

Laurie Cummings’s performance as the protagonist is worth highlighting. Her changing demeanor and countenance elegantly portray the unfolding terror rooted in the minute details of everyday life. Alissa Ford and Reese Hollingsworth provide commendable support with their roles, adding life to the characters and making the plot more convincing.

In the opening scenes of the film, the unsettling cinematic content is subtle and the story seems to be taking a direction that most horror films follow. However, the real fear seeps in slowly, building up an unnerving sense of dread. The movie deftly takes the plot deeper, transitioning from the sufferings of the mundane life to its unruly intertwining with a supernatural force, creating a creepy undertone lingering throughout.

The screenplay’s ability to keep the audience guessing is genuinely impressive. Many of the horror scenes don't follow predictable patterns, making the viewers jump at unexpected moments. The unpredictability coupled with the psychological terror echoes the 80s horror classics but with a unique twist that is a characteristic of contemporary horror storytelling.

The cinematography is one of the key strengths of It Lives Inside. It beautifully amalgamates with the narrative to create a seamless horror experience. The lighting and the camera movements add to the ominous ambience, escalating the hauntingly mysterious aura that shrouds the plot. Each frame is carefully crafted and employs innovative visual storytelling techniques that supplement the horror in the screenplay.

The sound design tastefully complements the visuals, creating an auditory experience equivalent to the film’s visual horror. The innovative use of silence and sudden bursts of noise not only heightens the suspense but also leaves the audience with an unforgettable aural experience. The film’s score adds another layer of fright to the cryptic uncanniness, tormenting the viewers long after the ending credits.

The film pushes the envelope when it comes to capturing the horror lurking within domesticity. It also subtlety draws from primal human fear, the fear of the unknown. The script brilliantly interweaves real-life horror with supernatural elements, auguring its genre-blending nature. Another area that It Lives Inside excels in is its portrayal of mental instability and its effects on the human psyche. The narrative quite vividly etches out these themes, with horror sequences underlining the protagonist's struggle with his own demons.

The makeup and effects team of It Lives Inside deserve a special mention for their work in creating believable and chilling paranormal entities. The film doesn’t overdo it with the makeup, ensuring to maintain a balance, resulting in a more convincing and haunting on-screen presence.

While the movie unhurriedly proceeds into the realm of the creepy and the discomforting, it is the film’s finale that brings together all elements of narrative intrigue and horror craftsmanship. The ending effortlessly ties together the character's emotional journey and establishes the epitome of uncertainty and dread, leaving viewers with a chilling after-effect.

In conclusion, It Lives Inside cleverly uses its narrative to construct an environment populated with fear and tension. With its seamless interweaving of supernatural events into mundane lives, the film has established itself as a fresh voice in the horror genre. It is a must-watch for lovers of psychological horror and those viewers who relish a good scare.