It Lives Inside (2023) Review

Whilst in many ways, the 2020’s through the lens of the genre has very much been an eclectic one, mostly packing some serious punches for the slasher sub-genre with many being particular highlights of the decade so far. Long gone seems to be horror movies of little depth, and thanks to the mid 10’s with (what 2021’s Scream deemed) “elevated horror”, the genre has manifested into something far scarier than what goes bump in the night – honing in on what true terror truly is.

The likes of Get Out, It Follows and Hereditary were huge genre-defining catalysts for the post-modern state of the genre today, with many still using their unique perspectives as blueprint almost an entire decade later. I mean, can you blame them? Given that these are viewed to most as some of the best horror movies in horror cinema history, it’s hard to imagine the genre revert to the back to basics approach to themes and narratives of decades prior; besides, you know what they say, if it’s not broke. It Lives Inside is no exception, and whilst it pales in comparison to some of those modern genre classics, it nonetheless has something to say, and boy does it say it with such an effective sting.

Following Sam, an Indian-American teen who lives in the idyllic suburbs with a Mother who embraces her cultural traditions, judging Sam who deals with her own cultural insecurities in dominant Caucasian surroundings. Her estranged friend Tamira, someone she grew distant with over the years begins carrying around a mysterious empty jar, appearing disheveled and paranoid. During a confrontation, Sam breaks the jar in anger, unleashing an ancient Indian demonic force that begins to target Sam after Tamira’s disappearance. Following this, Sam must find a way to unrelease herself, her family and Tamira from the shackles of the demon’s curse, banding together to end the terror of the cultural demon before it consumes them entirely.

It Lives Inside first and foremost is an intriguingly solid horror movie, one that knows how to deliver on scares as much as it does on social context. Pumping out a genuinely effective horror movie laced with well-earned, creatively crafted scares that bring the narrative depths to life, with one particular wardrobe scene being a particular chiller of a highlight. A consistent sense of unease prevents it from ever tripping up on its formulaic genre beats its so adamant it must venture through (the overused “reading from the cursed booked” motif is alive and thriving in this one!), but thankfully a likable roster and some seriously creepy demon lore is enough to forgive its generic mishaps.

Interestingly enough, Director and Writer Bishal Dutta wears his influences on his sleeve, often parading ideas and notions established from other genre classics around with refreshing glee. Crafting them in a manner to fit It Lives Inside‘s strongest suit – it’s perspective. It’s easy to draw lines back to Get Out with it’s attention to racial subtext, but where Dutta seems to flourish is in his ability to lend influence to Evil Dead almost through a J-Horror lens.  It’s evident Japanese horror movies had a part to play in Bishal’s twisted creative vision, and sometimes it’s a tad too on the nose; but given J-horror happens to capture some of the scariest moments in cinema history, it’s clever to borrow from such genre stand-outs without ever losing its own identity.

Therein lies It Lives Inside‘s biggest sell, is in its fascinatingly unique perspective on a seemingly well-worn genre concept. From the beginning, it constantly toys with interesting stereotypical and racial issues surrounding Indian ethnic identity, constantly tangoing with sensitive subject matters not unlike Get Out‘s emphasis on the uncomfortable behavioural traits of ignorant white people. Not only does it force us and it’s lead Sam to endure this level of blatant discrimination, but also highlights the effect on an adolescent seemingly rejecting the norms of her own culture (smelling her own clothes before school after her Indian mother produced traditional breakfast).

It’s the smaller moments as such which pack the biggest punch, allowing us to see into Sam’s mind without the use of much dialogue; a particularly effective directing choice from Bishal himself. Most interesting however is the friction between Sam and her Mother, a proud Indian woman who spends almost the entirety of the film speaking in her native language, something Sam rebuts against. It’s a contrast this story so desperately needed to provide emotional depth, and whilst the horror elements aren’t always striking high notes, this narrative choice undeniably hits the mark.

Director and writer Bishal Dutta dares us to get sucked in to It Lives Inside‘s haunted nucleus, treating us to an impalpable sense of dread, even if the journey there can appear at times too formulaic. It’s strengths here however lie in it’s harrowing depiction of the trails and tribulations of the adolescent embrace of Indian culture in an evidently problematic western world. Often hitting the sweet spot of effective social commentary on identity and race, and being a genuinely well-crafted horror laced with an eerie visual style and a wicked 80’s score. It Lives Inside‘s title may indicate to a something of a forgettable affair, but don’t be fooled; this nasty little horror film has plenty of memorable bite.

Movie Rating:

It Lives Inside had its UK Premiere at this year’s FrightFest on August 25, and is coming to UK Cinemas from 20th October.

It Lives Inside trailer