A young couple in a new house, a demonic spirit, marital riff – I feel like I’ve seen this before.  While the basic premise is like so many other films, It Lives Inside lacks basic production value.  It is, however evident that Writer and Director, Jeff Hall as well as the production staff put in a real effort to scare the viewer; there are a few jump-scares and blood, however the cinematography and cheesy sound effects coupled with weak dialogue made this a film easy to forget.

The film follows an unnamed husband (Rett Terrell) when he finds a mysterious box in the attic.  In it, Terrell’s character and his on-screen and unnamed wife (Alissa Rose Ford) discover a box of ashes, a mysterious figurine, rope and a book called “The Inuit Burden.”  In true horror movie fashion, the husband reads from the book out loud and unknowingly (although, if you’d seen ANY horror film, it would be easy to predict) becomes the victim of a demonic curse.

After the husband suffers a leg injury and cannot work, he assumes the role of ‘househusband’ and is suddenly responsible for making sure dinner is on the table and taking care of the couple’s infant son.  The wife heads out to get a job with her mother, who is very vocal about her distain for the husband. This gender role reversal as well as the husband’s evident distrust of his mother in law and impending demonic curse cause marital issues which take center stage in this film.

The couple’s constant bickering and dry dialogue caused my attention to occasionally shift to other things, like that spot on the wall.  As tensions rise in domestic bliss, the husband’s moods spiral even further out of control over his suspicion that the neighbor’s dog has been digging in his precious garden.

The most troubling aspect of the film laid with its plot holes, which may have been the cause of sloppy writing.  Ideas would be introduced, only to be ignored for the rest of the film. I was left with more questions than answers.  Although, to be frank, I was a little more than relieved that the film was over at just under 90 minutes.

As the film reaches it’s crescendo, so does the quality of the acting and some of the dialog.  The makeup effects could have been improved, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the makeup effects and blood. The writers had a vision, but it was hidden behind stiff dialog, spotty acting and just bad camera work.

I want to find something good to say.  I really do. I believe the actors did what they could with the script and that the production team really did want to make a blockbuster-esque film.  Alas, they did not. If you are a fan of films with LOW production values, then I would recommend it to you. The main character’s journey into self-destruction and possession may, infact entice you.  As for me. I am glad it’s over, but I wish the filmmakers the very best. While I will accommodate my new low expectations with their next projects, I feel as though they have a vision that just needs an opportunity to blossom.