The complex inner workings of the inner world are the most complicated area of exploration next to the spiritual. These spaces are rarely understood and are often difficult to control. What happens when the two blend? What fresh horrors come forth as worlds intertwine, a spiritual entity attaches itself and wreaks havoc on the inner-scape.It Lives Insideis an upcoming horror thriller that will give moviegoers an inkling of such possibilities.
It Lives Insideis a 2023 horror film directed and written by Bishal Dutta. It is a piece predicated on a story that Dutta crafted alongside Ashish Mehta. And it is rooted and grounded in the fertile soil of childhood experience. More specifically, it finds its basis in the filmmaker’s upbringing. For lovers ofdemon-themed terror films, it’s a promising offering.It Lives Insideuses a demonic entity as the main focus of the film.
It Lives Inside: The Plot
It Lives Insideis about a young girl named Samidha, known as Sam. Sam is like most typical teenagers; she simply wants to fit in with everyone else. But as the majority are well-aware, peer pressure can be a beast. It’s hard to fit in even when your only differences are the neighborhood one grows up in.
But Sam deals with a bit more, which she deems a hindrance to conformity. In Sam’s mind, there is only one way she can blend into the prejudicial society of her peers. So, she pushes aside her Indian culture and all that comes with it, including her family, to assimilate.
But one can’t run from their past. Inevitably, the past will always catch up with us, somehow or another. And unfortunately, Sam doesn’t realize how much she will need all who she has become until facing a significant battle. Sam is forced to defend against an ancient demonic spirit that has latched itself to the inner being of her friend. Not only does it attach itself, but it has begun to suckle. AsBloody Disgusting notes:
“When a mythological demonic spirit latches onto her former best friend, she must come to terms with her heritage to defeat it.”
Related:Insidious: Every Type of Demon in the Movies, Explained
It Lives Inside: The Cast
The starring role of Samidha falls to Megan Suri, known for her role in the Netflix teen favoriteNever Have I Everandromantic comedyand holiday commemorative pieceValentine’s Day. The cast also includes Mohana Krishan, who plays the role of Tamira Sam’s friend.
Krishnan is known for her role in the 2017 television seriesI Am Frankie.And yet another recognizable face is that of Betty Gabriel, who plays the character of Joyce. Betty Gabriel made waves as a character in the unforgettable and ultra-successful horror film,Get Out,the first film inJordan Peele’s signature collection.
Everything Else We Know
The film debuted at 2023 SXSW (South By Southwest), a conference celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. And it is being brought to audiences by the producers ofGet Out.This film trains a lens on cultural aspects and the role of such in adjusting to social norms. However, that is not the only promising facet of this upcoming horror.
This movie is entrenched in personal experiences, specifically Dutta’s background making it more authentic. The monstrous element adds an extra layer of veritableness, as it is based on legend, an Indian demonic legend, to be precise. Some may wonder from where Dutta draws his inspiration for crafting nightmare fuel. The answer is simple. Dutta credits watching American horror films for what he terms “social education.”
According to IndieWire, it has undoubtedly had such a massive impact on his perspective, slant, and how he brings a film together. When it comes to project importance,It Lives Insideis a heart project for Dutta. As the impassioned director relayed to IndieWire,
“On one hand, it is a love letter to the community and culture that raised me; on the other, it is a visceral experience designed to instill the same raw terror in its viewers, my favorite horror films instilled in me.”
That’s not only a great perspective, but it is a welcome sentiment. An in-your-face, raw terror-induced film is sorely needed in thecinematic horror industry.
Related:The Most Disgusting Horror Movie Monsters of All Time
Release Date
It Lives Inside, which is being pegged as a horror film that puts a new spin on demonic horror, has no specific release date. However, it has been announced that the film is expected to debut in the fall of this year, and that is perfect timing—a fright-filled new offering for the spookiest season of the year. And if the trailer is any indicator of what is ahead, fans are indeed in for a horrifying ride.
