The film started well with two kids bicycling around n as they approach an abandoned house, hope starts to rise when they show a ghost near the window....
But as soon as a writer along with his physically challenged kid moves into the same house on a Halloween nite, the film became very predictable.
We see the typical stuff, some same scenes over n over again, just two characters in a single location n nothing scary happens.
Generous with a 4 for the effort cos this cud have been a good scary movie if they wud have added some new thing rather than the predictable stuff.
U jus cant show purgatory stuff for 100 mins n expect fellas to get scared.
81 Reviews
Tedious horror
yagamisassilou23 October 2020
I couldn't say this is the worst horror film I've watched, because frankly I've watched some doozys in my time, but this was so boring. The acting, particularly from the main character, was so boring. Watching him try to find his words while talking to his daughter was like watching a kettle boil. The story itself had potential, but it needed a charismatic actor to carry it, and I'm sorry to say this guy just wasn't it. Not one I would grab off the shelf to watch again in a hurry.
Cluttered narrative makes for inadequate viewing experience...
paul_haakonsen13 October 2022
I stumbled upon the 2020 horror movie "They Live Inside Us" here in 2022 by random chance. And I will say that the movie's cover definitely was interesting, and it was sufficient to make me pick up the movie and give it a view.
As I had never heard about writer and director Michael Ballif's movie, "They Live Inside Us", I didn't know what I was in for here, nor what to expect. So I sat down to watch the movie with an open mind and giving writer and director Michael Ballif every opportunity to impress and entertain me.
However, writer and director Michael Ballif failed to do just that. Sure, I managed to sit through the entire movie in all its 104 minutes, but I was not overly entertained, much less impressed with the movie. The narrative felt clumsy and sort of not properly thought through, and that made for a somewhat cluttered viewing experience.
And the rigid, emotionless and wooden acting performances in "They Live Inside Us" didn't exactly help to win me over either. I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but they surely didn't stand out with putting on exceptional good acting performances.
For a horror movie then "They Live Inside Us" was a walk in the park. Nothing scary here throughout the course of the somewhat disjointed narrative. And for a life-long horror aficionado like myself, this movie was a swing and a miss in terms of being scary or noteworthy in the horror genre.
While I managed to sit through the entire ordeal, then I can honestly say that I am never returning to watch "They Live Inside Us" a second time. Nor is it a movie that I would recommend you waste your time, money or effort on.
My rating of "They Live Inside Us" lands on a three out of ten stars.
As I had never heard about writer and director Michael Ballif's movie, "They Live Inside Us", I didn't know what I was in for here, nor what to expect. So I sat down to watch the movie with an open mind and giving writer and director Michael Ballif every opportunity to impress and entertain me.
However, writer and director Michael Ballif failed to do just that. Sure, I managed to sit through the entire movie in all its 104 minutes, but I was not overly entertained, much less impressed with the movie. The narrative felt clumsy and sort of not properly thought through, and that made for a somewhat cluttered viewing experience.
And the rigid, emotionless and wooden acting performances in "They Live Inside Us" didn't exactly help to win me over either. I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but they surely didn't stand out with putting on exceptional good acting performances.
For a horror movie then "They Live Inside Us" was a walk in the park. Nothing scary here throughout the course of the somewhat disjointed narrative. And for a life-long horror aficionado like myself, this movie was a swing and a miss in terms of being scary or noteworthy in the horror genre.
While I managed to sit through the entire ordeal, then I can honestly say that I am never returning to watch "They Live Inside Us" a second time. Nor is it a movie that I would recommend you waste your time, money or effort on.
My rating of "They Live Inside Us" lands on a three out of ten stars.
You ever wish...
takato052414 February 2021
Somebody you knew would just die? That's how I felt watching this catastrophe. I wanted the main character to die so fast, so often, so much, just so there would be something going on in the movie. It actually started off not bad. And by started off, I mean with the kids on the bike. As soon as the actual lead character showed up, everything went down hill. And the plot you figured out 2 minutes after he started speaking.
The male actor's bio says he's been recording and acting since he was a child with his father's camcorder. I'd like to see that. His acting in this was dry, droll, and irritating. He wasn't believable as a father or a writer. He wore the same thing the entire movie, even tho days were clearly changing. He spoke so softly that I had to laugh when he yelled at his daughter. And his crying with no tears was as bad as the people on Maury claiming they don't know who the father is. The daughter was ok. There really wasn't much for her to do. But I never understood why she wasn't in school. Or why he would bring her to this house, which was also never explained.
If you want a movie with no plot and no ending, and random characters thrown in with weird flashbacks, or flash forwards (couldn't really tell), then pick this up.
The male actor's bio says he's been recording and acting since he was a child with his father's camcorder. I'd like to see that. His acting in this was dry, droll, and irritating. He wasn't believable as a father or a writer. He wore the same thing the entire movie, even tho days were clearly changing. He spoke so softly that I had to laugh when he yelled at his daughter. And his crying with no tears was as bad as the people on Maury claiming they don't know who the father is. The daughter was ok. There really wasn't much for her to do. But I never understood why she wasn't in school. Or why he would bring her to this house, which was also never explained.
If you want a movie with no plot and no ending, and random characters thrown in with weird flashbacks, or flash forwards (couldn't really tell), then pick this up.
If this film had been any slower it would have gone backwards.
emma_ennis28 October 2020
And I'm talking ten minutes looking at a bloody doorknob waiting for himself to open the damn door we know he's been meant to go through since the year dot. The entire script must have been made of up HOLDs. I think they thought it was arty? But any tension they managed to build up (which was very little) was lost in the hour-long breaks taken to look down a hallway or at a flippin wall.
How many 'legs in the orange light under the doorway' and slack-jawed mouth-breathing darting-bug-eyed expressions can a viewer be subjected to? This question needs to be answered and communicated to the writer/director/editor/cameraman.
Mind-numbingly boring and predictable.
Keep Looking
nogodnomasters2 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Jake (James Morris) goes into the haunted/cursed Booth house in search of ideas for writing a horror story. His wife has passed on recently and he is there with his handicapped daughter, Dani (Emily Broschinsky). Jake gets ideas for stories that are acted out on screen. Meanwhile there is a presence in the house as he has conversations with his deceased wife.
If you don't like looking at James Morris for 90 minutes, this film isn't for you. Poorly scripted. Poorly acted. The scene where Jake berates his daughter and makes her cry was pathetically written and performed.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
If you don't like looking at James Morris for 90 minutes, this film isn't for you. Poorly scripted. Poorly acted. The scene where Jake berates his daughter and makes her cry was pathetically written and performed.
Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.
Very bad horror filmed these days
nikolina_karahmet19 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Trying to copy the horror of the 80's (reminds me in parts of Friday the 13th) ... But very bad copying! The film takes too long, the plot a bit boring. The main actor is irritating and selfish. Running after his writing, he pays no attention to his daughter at all. I liked the criticism of one viewer who wrote that from the very beginning she was waiting for the death of the boring lead actor. I will also mention the ridiculous costume design of scarecrow and clown, which are more funny than scary. All in all, too bad for a horror film shot these days.
Just crap
sian_b_badger10 October 2020
Tries to be clever but is predictable & boring. Doesn't sound like a particularly terrible review but when I say it is boring, I mean it was SO boring that I was ill, confined to bed & this film was the most torturous part of my day.
Boring film
zacharyttuttle16 October 2020
Thin plot where nothing really happens and characters that are one dimensional. Actors are also horrible and deliver wooden performances. The set designs and music however are incredible, but sadly it's not enough to save this film.
Tedium ad infinitum!!
dalks7816 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well what do you say about this? If the convoluted plot wasn't bad enough, the total lack of pace is unforgivable. The first hour trudges along at a snails pace. I always assumed a horror film should have you know, maybe some horror in it! This
movie unfortunately ended up being about as scary as a Pixar film. So to the spoilers: Well the basic plot of the movie is about a man and his young disabled daughter relocating to an old 'spooky' house called The Booth House to help him find inspiration to write a horror story. Cue various odd goings on occurring, which could either be supernatural in origin or a blurring of reality. The crux of the film is basically a vastly inferior knock off of Shutter Island (the parallels may not be obvious, but if you have the patience to watch to the end, you'll catch my drift). The acting on the whole was extremely poor, though the dialogue didn't help one bit. I can only assume the 'questionable' 10/10 ratings on this site are either from hardcore fans of the studio or more likely studio plants.
A love letter to horror and the Halloween season.
sadiezallphin6 October 2020
'They Live Inside Us' is the debut feature from filmmaker Michael Ballif. His previous work includes the anthologies series, 'The Witching Season', which focuses on stories specific to the Halloween season. The story is dark and complex but compelling. It also has moments of reprieve with subtle comedy. Ballif painstakingly captures not only the look and spirit of Halloween so wonderfully, he uses the film to pen a love letter to the horror genre and pay tribute to many sub genres within as well. This is a strong first feature for a young filmmaker. The practical effects, stunning cinematography, and incredible set design feel much more mature than a low budget horror film. This is definitely a film to check out.
Decent indie horror.
Centaur2327 January 2021
Bad acting and NOT scary
emmalingster25 October 2020
WORST HORROR MOVIE EVER WITH NO HORROR AT ALL
zmngilani31 October 2020
I should have known better
jonerogers1 November 2020
What can I say? Well when the film started its titles ended with the fact that it was written, starred, directed and I think produced by the same guy and another of the writers was the main lead. That was que for me to turn off.
It was an absolute boreathon from start to finish...the most exciting thing was a door banging shut and opening several times which made me think that it sounded like people leaving the room for fear of being bored to death..
Do yourself a big favour and switch off before switching on.
It was an absolute boreathon from start to finish...the most exciting thing was a door banging shut and opening several times which made me think that it sounded like people leaving the room for fear of being bored to death..
Do yourself a big favour and switch off before switching on.
Must be the best movie ever!
matthewsherlock410 October 2020
Bad low budget movie
markmunoz-6739517 January 2021
Terribly slow, legit felt like falling asleep during my first watch. The main character seems to be devoid of emotions with out of place facial expressions and sounds like his is just saying lines from a script instead of playing a character.
Don't waste your time!
reynoldssusan16 November 2020
Absolutely the worst "scary "movie I've ever seen. I've seen bad movies before, but this was ridiculous! BORING! Excruciatingly boring! The house and music were great,that's it! Bad script, bad direction, bad,bad acting. I don't care for gore and guts, which this movie doesn't have. I like thrillers and scary stories. I like movies that have details and keep you on your toes. Endings with a twrist,but still leave you feeling like the ending makes sense.
In other words, not this movie!
This movie explains it's self in the end. Yet still doesn't make sense.
The characters are flat ,one dimensional. Long shots of quivering lips and bug eyes. I seriously do not understand how anyone could give this movie a 10. I would have given it a 0 if possible.
If you want a good movie for Halloween or anytime, don't waste your time on this one!
Bored to tears
pyrat-dame31 October 2020
This movie was incredibly boring. I'm fine with movies that are slow starters to build the suspense but this movie didn't have that. The character is a writer, and if the short snippets of their stories they show are any kind of indicator, he's terrible at his job. As the movie goes on, you hope that it will get better or something. It really only gets interesting within the last 20 minutes and definitely doesn't have a payout worth sitting through the other hour and 20 minutes.
They live inside us
westport-3187729 January 2022
Great halloween horror
kbell-500758 October 2020
Indie horror has lots of Halloween spirit!
jaguiar3137 October 2020
Flick from the makers of the The Witching Season web anthology takes one of those tales and expands it to feature length. The story is simple. Writer Jake (James Morris) is looking for inspiration, so he and his daughter Dani (Emily Broschinsky) stay in a haunted house on Halloween. The Booth House has a past filled with witches, madmen and murder and Jake may get more inspiration than he bargained for.
They Live Inside Us is written and directed by Michael Ballif and acts as both stand alone film and an anthology film in itself, as we visualize Jake's various story ideas as he writes them. These segments are filled with Halloween imagery and many of the popular tropes, such as masked killers, living scarecrows and killer clowns (each played by lead Morris) all chasing a pretty woman (Hailey Nebeker). In between the segments, we see writer Jake slowly feeling and seeing the effects of staying in an allegedly cursed house with a terrible past. It's not quite as fun as the bits born of his writing ideas, but it certainly has it's spooky moments as the house brings Jake's tales and it's own story to life. A Halloween horror would not be complete without some spooky reveals and Baliff provides them in a chilling last act. It's moderately paced, but that suits the type of story it is. On a production level, the film looks good. Ballif has a really strong visual eye, especially for the All Hallow's Eve inspired stuff and his cinematography gives this some nice atmosphere and Halloween spirit. There is also a really cool house location and a very atmospheric score by the aptly named Randin Graves.
The cast is solid. James Morris is good as Jake. He could have been livelier in a few scenes, but nails it when it counts, such as his scenes with dead wife Cynthia (Stevie Dutson). He also has fun playing all the film's Halloween creepers. Emily Broschinsky is good as Jake's precocious, paraplegic daughter Dani. The two actors have a nice chemistry together and sell being father and daughter well. Hailey Nebeker gets to show various degrees of fear as the "Woman in White" in Jake's stories. The actress does however, get to do a bit more once Jake's stories and the house's history collide.
This movie shows a lot of love for the spooky season and of horror films in general from Michael Baliff. It's not perfect, but one can really see the labor of love put into it and Baliff's passion for all things Halloween and horror, show through. Baliff knows the tropes well and knows how to use them effectively. It's certainly worth a look and has enough spooky moments to make it a nice new flick for watching during The Witching Season. Available to rent on streaming networks such as Amazon Prime and on blu-ray.
They Live Inside Us is written and directed by Michael Ballif and acts as both stand alone film and an anthology film in itself, as we visualize Jake's various story ideas as he writes them. These segments are filled with Halloween imagery and many of the popular tropes, such as masked killers, living scarecrows and killer clowns (each played by lead Morris) all chasing a pretty woman (Hailey Nebeker). In between the segments, we see writer Jake slowly feeling and seeing the effects of staying in an allegedly cursed house with a terrible past. It's not quite as fun as the bits born of his writing ideas, but it certainly has it's spooky moments as the house brings Jake's tales and it's own story to life. A Halloween horror would not be complete without some spooky reveals and Baliff provides them in a chilling last act. It's moderately paced, but that suits the type of story it is. On a production level, the film looks good. Ballif has a really strong visual eye, especially for the All Hallow's Eve inspired stuff and his cinematography gives this some nice atmosphere and Halloween spirit. There is also a really cool house location and a very atmospheric score by the aptly named Randin Graves.
The cast is solid. James Morris is good as Jake. He could have been livelier in a few scenes, but nails it when it counts, such as his scenes with dead wife Cynthia (Stevie Dutson). He also has fun playing all the film's Halloween creepers. Emily Broschinsky is good as Jake's precocious, paraplegic daughter Dani. The two actors have a nice chemistry together and sell being father and daughter well. Hailey Nebeker gets to show various degrees of fear as the "Woman in White" in Jake's stories. The actress does however, get to do a bit more once Jake's stories and the house's history collide.
This movie shows a lot of love for the spooky season and of horror films in general from Michael Baliff. It's not perfect, but one can really see the labor of love put into it and Baliff's passion for all things Halloween and horror, show through. Baliff knows the tropes well and knows how to use them effectively. It's certainly worth a look and has enough spooky moments to make it a nice new flick for watching during The Witching Season. Available to rent on streaming networks such as Amazon Prime and on blu-ray.
See also
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