Inside (2007) – Film Review

Directors: Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury
Cast: Alysson Paradis, Jean-Baptiste Tabourin, Beatrice Dalle
Certificate: 18

By Sarah Morgan

You really must heed this warning – do not, I repeat, DO NOT watch this French horror movie from 2007 while having something to eat, because it’s highly likely you’ll get to see whatever you’ve ingested again very quickly.

And if you’re currently pregnant, or know anybody who is, it’s probably best to avoid it as well.

Not for the faint of heart or stomach, Inside is probably the most violent, gut-wrenching movie I’ve ever seen, and as someone who’s spent a large part of her life watching horror films, that’s saying something.

“Devastating car crash”

It was the debut feature from directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, whose subsequent projects have included the Texas Chain Saw Massacre prequel Leatherface and the Blumhouse production The Deep House. Neither made as big an impact as Inside; if the duo’s intention with Inside was to make people sit up and take notice, they certainly managed it.

Alysson Paradis (younger sister of Vanessa) plays depressed expectant mother Sarah who, four months after the death of her husband in a devastating car crash, is preparing for the birth of her baby, which is overdue. Her friend and employer, Jean-Pierre, has agreed to escort her to hospital, but the night before he’s set to arrive, she receives a visit from a mysterious woman.

The visitor (Beatrice Dalle) claims she wants to use her phone, but as Sarah tries to put her off, it becomes clear that the woman knows an alarming amount about her life. Disturbed, she calls the police who, on failing to find any evidence of the interloper, promise to keep an eye on things. Unfortunately, they don’t make a very good job of it. In fact, the woman outsmarts everyone, eventually revealing she wants Sarah’s baby – and will stop at nothing to get it.

“A one-trick pony”

Although well made with good performances, Inside is something of a one-trick pony, relying far too much on blood and gore rather than genuine scares – there’s no psychological tension here, just violence.

The special features are, however, quite impressive and include new interviews with the directors, producer and Paradis. But whether they make the entire project more palatable is a moot point. And if you decide to watch the film, just remember, you have been warned…