From Within (2008) Horror Movie Review

by Daxi

***Reader-Submitted Review***

Release Date: 2008
Directed By: Phedon Papamichael
Written By: Brad Keene

Starring:
Elizabeth Rice as Lindsay
Thomas Dekker as Aidan
Kelly Blatz as Dylan
Laura Allen as Trish
Adam Goldberg as Roy
Rumer Willis as Natalie

"From Within" is part of After Dark Film's annual HorrorFest 'Eight Films to Die For.' I have seen most of the movies from previous Horrorfests and found myself wanting more. Most of the movies, however, are not what one would call good. They are often campy, but provide good entertainment.

"From Within," however, differs from the other After Dark movies for two simple reasons...

One: It delves into the human psyche and shows just how far people will entrench themselves in lies in order to avoid the truth.

Two: It's surprising! It has a beginning, middle, and end. It has a bit of teenage angst, small-town holy rollers, forbidden romance, violence, witchcraft, and a whole lot of horror!

The movie focuses on a small town that has a sudden rash of horrific suicides. It starts with a young lover and only seems to keep spreading; like a plague intending to decimate the entire world. The main character is a teenager named Lindsay who lost her parents and now lives with a church-appointed guardian named Trish.

Even though Lindsay has grown up in this over-the-top religious town, she doesn't feel like she fits in. She believes in questioning things and digging deeper; not just accepting things at face value.

She soon becomes involved with the local black sheep; a teen boy named Aidan, who lost his mother to what is supposedly a town lynching. The chemistry between the two is strong, but Aidan insists that Lindsay stay away from him, for fear that she discover his deadly secret.

Unfortunately, the danger in the town escalates and Lindsay soon finds herself turning to the one person she knows can help; Aidan.

Together, for one harrowing, punishing night they work to save the world from this terrible curse. The end to the curse, however, comes with a terrible price.

A price that Lindsay doesn't think she can handle.

And just when you think that everything might just be alright... the film takes a twist that will leave you utterly breathless.

The acting in this film is very believable. You start to feel what the characters are feeling and will find yourself rooting for Aidan and Lindsay.

All in all, this movie is completely worth it. Wonderful acting, an amazing script, and an idea that has not previously been portrayed so eloquently and shockingly.