My Review Of "It Lives Inside"

Jeff Hall's paranormal horror "It Lives Indie" is a low budget domestic nightmare starring Rett Terrell, Alissa Rose Ford, Liam Rose, Laurie Cummings, Christian R. Black, Philip W. Paz, Justin Hendrix, Bill Brewer, and Briana Looby. Haunted objects, century old curse, and human conflict create a dark, contemporary horror set up that ends in a nightmare.

A chronic sleepwalker reads from a mysterious book that foretells his impending demonic possession. He then struggles to hold his family together as the ancient evil threatens to consume everything he holds dear.

The story is creative in it's use of classic paranormal horror tropes, by personalizing and humanizing the characters and events. The opening moments, meant to legitimize the later events, are under explained. Although that historical reference does give a slight origin to the modern horrors that take place in Hall's story. Just not enough to really hook you into the evil entity attached to the objects found in the house. "It Lives Inside" doesn't break new ground are feel completely original, but clever production choices and the nicely drawn leads balance the over exposed premise to a degree that the story feels original enough.

The acting is pretty tight, there are moments when character interactions don't seem as authentic as the dialog lends to, reactions and actions look out of place in certain scenes. Still there are way more good moments between the couple, with easy,  fluid, dialog and believable interactions that have to be acknowledged. Rett Terrell is great as the main character,  which is the big draw that hooks you into the story from start to wicked and cruel finish.

The horror elements, aren't really all that scary. Think 'Evil Thing' meets "Amityville". The effects are occasional CGI gimmicks expected in paranormal movies. Atmosphere,  music and shadow play meant to give a haunted ambiance. Often they don't work in "It Lives Inside". The notable exception being the big big evil materializing, the CGI and Creature design is perfection from minute one to minute end. 

Overall "It Lives Inside" will find a home with a select indie crowd. It's slow burn pace, homegrown look and feel will disappoint anyone looking for a popcorn thriller. More theatrics and melodrama than shock scares,  the story and the downward spiral of a broken man is the big draw. (2.5/5)