I watched It Lives Inside (2023) in theaters last night. The story revolves around Samidha, a young woman who has grown distant from her best friend. Her former friend begins exhibiting strange behavior, appearing unusual and carrying a mysterious jar. It's evident that her life is unraveling. When Samidha confronts her about this, it leads to a confrontation that unleashes something that will profoundly affect their lives forever.
Directed by Bishal Dutta in his directorial debut, this film stars Neeru Bajwa (Jatt & Juliet), Megan Suri (Missing), Mohana Krishnan (I Am Frankie), Betty Gabriel (Get Out), and Vik Sahay (Chuck).
It Lives Inside presents a frustrating viewing experience. The premise and initial setup of the storyline are excellent, offering a unique plot with a creature like no other in horror. Megan Suri and Mohana Krishnan deliver remarkable performances, and Dutta utilizes exceptional cinematography and camera angles to build tension. However, the effectiveness of the horror elements are inconsistent. While the attack scenes and intensity are well-executed, the invisible elements often fell short and left me wanting more. The film's conclusion, along with how they handle the creature, feels somewhat corny and unsatisfying.
In summary, It Lives Inside possesses distinctive elements that make it worth a watch, but the horror scenes may not hit like you hope. I would rate it 4.5/10 but still recommend seeing it once for its unique aspects.