"The Evil Within" (2017) is a horror film about a mentally challenged man, Dennis played by Fredrick Koehler, who goes on a killing spree after befriending a demon that appears to him in a mirror that simultaneously torments him in his dreams. His brother John, played by Sean Patrick Flanery, is charged with caring for Dennis, which he does, but he wants to send him to a professional facility however he is very particular about where he will allow his brother to reside. The premise of this film is a twist on the norm, but some of the actions that emphasize Dennis' loss on reality are a little over the top. It appears this film is more about trying to make people uncomfortable rather than instill fear as with common the genre. This film is interesting if nothing more than to find out how far they will go.
Andrew Getty, both writer and director, does an astounding job capturing the audience's attention from the beginning. Though the monologue does feel extremely long, he makes up for it with creepy visuals. The acting is not "top notch," but the camera work is to die for. For example, when John is speaking with Mildy Torres, played by Kim Darby, from social services, the camera appears to never stop moving. This concept is not new, but the way each shot flowed into the next without using traditional cuts was gripping. It allowed the film to maintain its eerie feel while having a serious discussion about the well-being of both John and Dennis.
This film is not for everyone. As an avid horror genre enjoyer, I question whether I will revisit it. However, the camera movements and techniques, with exception to the car accident shot, provide a unique feel that should be observed. The storyline is a creative and twisted take on family caring and mental stability. I would recommend this film to those with an affinity for camera work and a strong will for the adverse.
Andrew Getty, both writer and director, does an astounding job capturing the audience's attention from the beginning. Though the monologue does feel extremely long, he makes up for it with creepy visuals. The acting is not "top notch," but the camera work is to die for. For example, when John is speaking with Mildy Torres, played by Kim Darby, from social services, the camera appears to never stop moving. This concept is not new, but the way each shot flowed into the next without using traditional cuts was gripping. It allowed the film to maintain its eerie feel while having a serious discussion about the well-being of both John and Dennis.
This film is not for everyone. As an avid horror genre enjoyer, I question whether I will revisit it. However, the camera movements and techniques, with exception to the car accident shot, provide a unique feel that should be observed. The storyline is a creative and twisted take on family caring and mental stability. I would recommend this film to those with an affinity for camera work and a strong will for the adverse.