It Lives Inside (2023) Frightfest 2023 Movie Review

It Lives Inside – Frightfest 2023 Movie Review

Director: Bishal Dutta

Writer: Bishal Dutta, Ashish Mehta (Screenplay)

Cast

Megan Suri (Never Have I Ever)
Neeru Bajwa (Jatt & Juliet)
Mohana Krishnan (I Am Frankie)
Betty Gabriel (Get Out)
Vik Sahay (Chuck)

Plot: An Indian American teenager struggling with her cultural identity has a falling out with her former best friend and, in the process, unwittingly releases a demonic entity that grows stronger by feeding on her loneliness.

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: It Lives Inside starts as Indian American teenager Samidha (Suri) has started to fit into a new life. However, her former best friend Tamira (Krishnan) has become isolated, bullied and mysterious. She carries around a strange jar believing there is a monster inside of it.

When Tamira and Samidha clash, the jar is shattered, and Tamira vanishes. Samidha must figure out what Tamira has gotten herself into as it has a connection to their family’s beliefs. However, the hauntings Samidha goes through lead to devastating side effects.

Verdict on It Lives Inside

It Lives Inside is a horror mystery following an Indian American teenager that finds herself dealing with a monster from her culture’s past. She has unwittingly released it from its cage, leading to it coming after her closest people in life. Now, she must learn more about her culture to stop it from taking everyone she cares about.

This is a horror that looks to bring Indian demonic beliefs to an American audience. It brings a terrifying demon to the world that lurks and waits in the darkness for its victims. Where it gets connected to one person whose fears seem to guide it through the world. The excellent use of darkness and shadows makes the monster’s appearances feel terrifying. With the brutal attacks show the capability of the monster. Megan Suri is great in the leading role with a strong supporting cast around her. The true highlights of the movie come from what we don’t see, as everything is built up with reactions to everything going on.

Where to Watch: It Lives Inside will be in UK Cinemas from 22nd September.

Final Thoughts – It Lives Inside is a terrifying journey into beliefs and monsters.