A One Mann’s Movies review of “Inside” (2023).
The Covid crisis generated the production of a lot of ‘lockdown movies’: movies featuring a very limited, and often solo, cast to minimise the risks involved. And I thought we’d have seen the release of all of those by now. But “Inside” has all of those characteristics. And, ironically, it is itself a movie about being locked down.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Nemo (Willem Dafoe) is a high-end art thief whose heist on the luxury high-rise apartment of a famous artist/architect goes terribly wrong. Trapped within the automated high-tech penthouse, his task becomes one of survival.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Strong language, threat”.)
Talent:
Starring: Willem Dafoe.
Directed by: Vasilis Katsoupis.
Written by: Ben Hopkins, Vasilis Katsoupis.
Twitter Handle: #InsideMovie .
Nemo (Willem Dafoe) running hot and cold as to whether the heist was a good idea. (Source: Focus Features).
“Inside” Review:
Positives:
- Given that the character of Nemo is on-screen for virtually the whole 105 minute running time, the movie lives or dies on the actor’s performance, and Willem Dafoe doesn’t disappoint. He gets to give his full range in the role, even going a tad Green Goblin at one point. Defoe’s an interesting actor in often being the ‘bridesmaid’ in films rather than the ‘bride’. It’s good that this feature gives him that starring role, and no mistake.
- Although we’ve been here with similar ‘stranded’ films (such as “Buried”, “The Shallows” and “Fall”), this puts an interesting high-tech twist on the story that I really enjoyed.
- The set decoration for the film is really nice. It’s not many films that have an extensive “movie art gallery” section in the end credits.
- The score, by Belgian composer Frederik Van de Moortel is squonky but magnificent in suiting the unfolding drama.
Negatives:
- As with all of these ‘survival’ type movies your mind races with “but why doesn’t he…” questions. In particular, it seems very unlikely that “No. 2” and “No. 3” wouldn’t have at least put in an anonymous call to the authorities about Nemo. Given that, it would have felt more realistic if Nemo had been a ‘lone-Wolf’, Pink Panther-style thief.
- I felt the ending lacked drama. I’d have written if differently.
Summary Thoughts on “Inside”
I really enjoy these ‘small’ and tight little thrillers, and I found this a good one. I saw this on a BA flight and it doesn’t yet seem to have yet had a proper UK release. So watch out for it in cinemas or – perhaps more likely now – on streaming.
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Trailer for “Inside”:
The trailer is here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DjODCllZj4w.
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