Terror Strikes in Motherhood’s Shadow

Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Inside (À l'intérieur)
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2016, 2024 Second Sight Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Alexandre Bustillo, Julien Maury
Writer(s): Jaume Balagueró, Manu Díaz, Miguel Ángel Vivas, Alexandre Bustillo, Julien Maury
Cast: Béatrice Dalle, Alysson Paradis, Nicolas Duvauchelle
Where To Watch: available February 5, 2024; pre-order here www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: INSIDE takes you on a journey through one of the most intense nights you’ll ever be able to imagine. Crafted by the creative minds of Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury, this 2007 French horror film breathes new life into a genre that often risks redundancy. Alysson Paradis (Sarah) and Béatrice Dalle (La femme) lead us through an emotionally charged, heart-wrenching, and bone-chilling narrative. Their powerful performances, combined with a story that captivates and unnerves, make INSIDE an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Delving into the horror that awaits, INSIDE is a film that grips you from the start and refuses to let go. In my opinion, it’s one of the most memorable opening scenes that I can remember in horror. The film directors navigate away from the repetitive horror formulas of the 90s, choosing instead a path laden with unexpected twists and profound revelations. Their directorial prowess tackles a complex narrative of psychological horror and tension, making you feel uneasy from the first frame until the last.

The film's setting, predominantly within the confines of Sarah's home, becomes an integral character to the story, the narrow hallways and pristine color palate. The cinematographer masterfully utilizes this space, creating an atmosphere thick with dread and suspense. It's a brilliant display of how a film's setting can amplify the underlying themes and emotions, intensifying the viewer's experience.

INSIDE ventures into horror's more raw and explicit facets while it handles intense themes with finesse and unflinching honesty. The portrayal of Sarah's pregnancy balances artistic expression and graphic content, riding the line between the two and shocking you at every turn. This approach may divide some viewers but undeniably adds to the film's intense impact.

The performances in INSIDE are a true highlight, specifically Paradis and Dalle’s back and forth that, deliver compelling and intense portrayals, bringing their characters to life with a mix of vulnerability and fierce determination. Their on-screen chemistry is a dance of emotions that engages the audience thoroughly.

INSIDE is an exemplary showcase of how to craft a disturbing and vile movie experience on a budget; you won’t look at some of life's simplicities the same again after this. Lighting and sound are expertly executed to create a sense of immersion that enhances the tension and atmosphere.

INSIDE stands as a landmark in French extreme horror, redefining the expectations for modern horror cinema. It’s more than a horror film; it's a deep dive into the darkest corners of human nature, set against nightmarish scenarios. While its intense approach to horror and violence might not be for everyone, the film's influence on the genre is undeniable. Bustillo and Maury have created a piece that is as artistically profound as it is unsettling, leaving a lasting impression that echoes long after the final scene. It's a cinematic experience that challenges, terrifies, and captivates its audience.

Special Features
New audio commentary by Anna Bogutskaya
New audio commentary by Elena Lazic
First Born: a new interview with Co-Writer/Directors Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury
Labour Pains: A New Interview with Actor Alysson Paradis
A New Extreme: A New Interview with Producer Franck Ribière
Womb Raider: A New Interview with Cinematographer Laurent Barès
Reel Action: a new interview with Stunt Coordinator Emmanuel Lanzi
The Birth of a Mother: Jenn Adams on Inside

Limited Edition Contents
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by James Neal
70-page book with new essays by Chad Collins, Kat Ellinger, Annie Rose Malamet, and Hannah Strong
Six collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]

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