The Midnight Horror: 'Inside' (2016)

♰ Welcome to The Midnight Horror! ♰

There’s nothing quite like a midnight binge of horror flicks—a time when the world quiets down and the shadows seem just a little longer. Of the handful of titles I found myself excited about in this month’s lineup, Inside stood out like a silver streak of moonlight cutting through darkness. Co-written and directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas, this 2016 psychological slasher is a spine-chilling remake of the 2007 French film À l'intérieur. Despite a chorus of negative reviews from critics—I suspect they lack true horror sensibility—I found a twisted beauty in the chaos this film portrays. 

Meet Sarah (Rachel Nichols), a young mother-to-be whose life is plunged into the abyss following a devastating car crash that not only steals her husband but also leaves her partially deaf. Now, back in her home, surrounded by echoes of the past, she struggles to find her footing. It’s as if fate has a cruel sense of humor: just when she thinks she might find some solace, a malevolent visitor knocks on her door. Enter the predatory Madeleine (Laura Harring), a woman hell-bent on making Sarah’s worst fears a reality—taking her unborn child. With chaos swirling around her and only the howls of the night for company, Sarah must summon every ounce of maternal instinct to protect her baby and endure a night that feels like an eternity. In the realm of horror, never underestimate the ferocity of a mother’s love!

What elevates Inside beyond mere bloodshed is its carefully crafted atmosphere, a haunting symphony of tension that vibrates through its suburban setting. The cinematography is pure genius; every shot tightens the noose of suspense around you until you’re clenching the edges of your seat. The creaks in the floorboards seem to echo the protagonist's rising dread, while the musical score seeps into your bones like a cold sweat. Rachel Nichols delivers a strong performance, but it’s Laura Harring's maniacal portrayal of the killer that truly haunts the film, imbuing every scene with a palpable sense of dread. Supporting characters come and go, of course—mere lambs to the slaughter, if you will, embellished with a macabre flair. Bravo, indeed!

Like many other horror flicks, Inside isn’t without its moments of oversight, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot a few production blunders. Take, for instance, a scene around the 58-minute mark: our fearsome assailant leaves a police officer bloodied and battered one moment, only to ascend the stairs with a magically pristine face in the next. It’s a little reminiscent of Captain Kirk’s conveniently clean uniform in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan—a delightful blunder in an otherwise thrilling tale. But, hey, mistakes are part of the game, and I can easily forget them when I’m enjoying the ride.

At the end of it all, watching Inside was like a roller coaster of horror—a delightful jolt that rattled me to my core. It stands as one of the most thrilling horror flicks I’ve encountered in ages. So, if your heart can handle the terror, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a watch. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess