It Lives Inside – Film Review

Published September 15, 2023

Movie Details

Rating
B
Director
Bishal Dutta
Writer
Bishal Dutta
Actors
Megan Suri, Neeru Bajwa, Mohana Krishnan, Vik Sahay, Gage Marsh
Runtime
1 h 39 min
Release Date
September 6, 2023
Genres
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Certification
PG-13

Sam is desperate to fit in at school, rejecting her Indian culture and family to be like everyone else. When a mythological demonic spirit latches onto her former best friend, she must come to terms with her heritage in order to defeat it.

It Lives Inside by director Bishal Dutta is a paranormal thriller that delves into the nuanced ideas of identity, heritage, and the influence of cultural roots. The film takes viewers on a journey into the world of mythological demons and the struggle to reconcile one’s heritage with the demands of modern life through the story of Sam (Megan Suri), a young girl trying to fit in at school while rejecting her Indian culture and family.

The film depicts Sam’s internal conflict in a compelling way. She distances herself from her Indian heritage and family in an attempt to be like her peers and blend in without being noticed. Sam is played admirably by Megan Suri, who successfully conveys the character’s inner turmoil and her desperation for acceptance. Her ability as an actor is evident in the way she handled Sam’s changing emotions over the course of the story.

The supporting cast also gives strong performances, with Neeru Bajwa as Sam’s mother Poorna standing in for the cultural norm that Sam is attempting to escape. While Vik Sahay as Inesh and Gage Marsh as Russ give the group of friends who become involved in the paranormal events the necessary depth, Mohana Krishnan as Tamira adds an intriguing layer to the story.

It Lives Inside excels in its skillful integration of Indian mythology into the contemporary setting. The film introduces the idea of a mythical demonic spirit that seizes on people and causes havoc in their lives. This spirit’s representation gives the narrative a chilling and compelling element. This spirit was brought to life with impressive visual effects, and its constant presence gave the film a tangible air of unease.

The most poignant aspect of the film is its examination of cultural identity. Sam’s relationship with her Indian heritage deteriorates as she struggles with her desire to fit in at her school. Anyone who has ever struggled to balance adhering to societal expectations and remaining true to one’s heritage will be able to relate to the nuanced and sensitive way in which this internal conflict is depicted.

The story is centered on Sam’s quest to reclaim her ancestry. The film masterfully captures the transformative power of embracing one’s roots as she learns more about her culture and the myths and legends that have shaped her family’s history. This part of the story is endearing and appeals to all audiences.

It Lives Inside excels at setting up a moody and atmospheric scene through cinematography and production design. The film’s visual aesthetics contribute to its overall eerie and unsettling tone, and the use of lighting and camera work to create tension is an effective technique. The costumes and set design also do a wonderful job of showcasing the Indian cultural elements, giving the narrative authenticity.

Wesley Hughes‘ score enhances the visuals and provides an additional level of tension and emotion. The soundtrack highlights significant plot points and improves the overall viewing experience.

It Lives Inside does have some drawbacks, though. Sometimes it seems like the pacing is off; some scenes drag on while others rush through crucial plot points. The character development of Sam’s friends could have also been improved. Their roles in the narrative feel a little underdeveloped, and their motivations are never entirely made clear.

Although the climax is visually stunning, some viewers might want more resolution because it leaves some questions unanswered. There is some ambiguity left after the supernatural conflict is resolved, which might not sit well with all audience members.

Indian mythology is successfully incorporated into a modern setting in It Lives Inside, but more of this rich source material could have been explored. Although the mythological elements are briefly mentioned, their potential complexities and depth are not fully explored.

Bishal Dutta’s It Lives Inside is a thought-provoking supernatural thriller that combines elements of Indian mythology with a story about a contemporary coming-of-age. The film’s most notable aspects are Megan Suri’s compelling performance as Sam and its examination of cultural identity. While lacking in pacing, character development, and a climax that is a little too abrupt, the film succeeds in drawing viewers into a distinctive fusion of horror and self-discovery. It Lives Inside is a timely reminder of the value of embracing one’s heritage while navigating the challenges of modern life. It’s a film that delivers both goosebumps and touching scenes, making it worthwhile viewing for fans of culturally relevant supernatural tales.