The auspicious feature debut of writer-director Bishal Dutta uses a familiar trope — the demonic entity — to explore themes of disconnection and assimilation.
Written and directed by Bishal Dutta, “It Lives Inside” is carried by innovative horror imagery, a well-constructed script and great central performances that hold the emotional heart of the story. It’s not a perfect film, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat from those opening shots until the closing credits.
Samidha is a high-schooler living in Los Angeles. She struggles with the usual problems of an American teenager: trying to pass her driving test, courting the cute boy in her English class, fitting in with the popular girls. Samidha is also the child of immigrants. Throughout the film, Samidha deals with the divergent cultural influence of her friend group and her parents. Tamira is a classmate of hers who begins acting strangely and carrying around an ominous-looking Mason jar.
These two young actresses are the film’s secret weapons, especially Suri, who is asked to do a lot here yet never fails to impress. She’s great both as a romantic lead and as someone who must endure what turns out to be a supernatural attack. The film hinges on her ability to provide context for the stories of a number of supporting characters, and Suri does just that. In one pivotal early scene, she has to turn on a dime, emotionally speaking.
Dutta’s screenplay expertly blends the lived reality of Indian immigrants with the classic structure of a summer horror flick. The character of Samidha is simultaneously specific and universal. Anyone who has struggled to find friends and maintain connections through their teen years will be able to relate to her story.
“It Lives Inside'' is not without flaws: The middle third of the film is poorly paced; horror gimmicks that initially shock are, at times, overused; and the visuals can sometimes feel two-dimensional and bland. But none of that ultimately matters. The scares work when they need to, and the most important sequences are well shot and dynamic.
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