"Outside In" tells a fascinating story about a man trying to readjust to the outside world after spending 20 years in prison. I really enjoyed the film's atmosphere, it has a pretty consistent tone that works wonders for when it's at it's most subtle, which I find to be the biggest strength of the film. These are the moments when the actors truly shine and there is a lot to dig into just from their facial expressions.
Sadly, the script leaves a bit to be desired from it's meandering structure and some of the dialogue, but mostly just from how it leaves a lot of stones unturned. The film has some twists and turns that really work, but some are left on an unsatisfying note. The conflict between Jay Duplass and Ben Schwartz's characters could have been really intriguing, but comes really out of left field and doesn't feel very pointed. Not to mention, some moments between them feels melodramatic in how they are executed. I would ask if that entire conflict was really needed as it sorta gets clouded in the mix, despite sticking the landing quite well. I also felt Kaitlyn Dever's character Hildy was heavily mishandled, the film was clearly trying to convey something that I believe to be very riveting and interesting about her, but it kind of just fizzles out which is a real shame.
Overall, the film executes it's main story and the characters played by Jay Duplass and Edie Falco well enough with slick cinematography and emotion. While the soundtrack was off-putting at first and I could see it being a huge distraction for some, it eventually grew on me to add to the experience and make the film feel more unique. I just wish the film had a better sense of purpose for some of it's dramatic elements, it's disappointing because they were really immersive with tons of potential and kind of just left it unexplored.
6/10
Sadly, the script leaves a bit to be desired from it's meandering structure and some of the dialogue, but mostly just from how it leaves a lot of stones unturned. The film has some twists and turns that really work, but some are left on an unsatisfying note. The conflict between Jay Duplass and Ben Schwartz's characters could have been really intriguing, but comes really out of left field and doesn't feel very pointed. Not to mention, some moments between them feels melodramatic in how they are executed. I would ask if that entire conflict was really needed as it sorta gets clouded in the mix, despite sticking the landing quite well. I also felt Kaitlyn Dever's character Hildy was heavily mishandled, the film was clearly trying to convey something that I believe to be very riveting and interesting about her, but it kind of just fizzles out which is a real shame.
Overall, the film executes it's main story and the characters played by Jay Duplass and Edie Falco well enough with slick cinematography and emotion. While the soundtrack was off-putting at first and I could see it being a huge distraction for some, it eventually grew on me to add to the experience and make the film feel more unique. I just wish the film had a better sense of purpose for some of it's dramatic elements, it's disappointing because they were really immersive with tons of potential and kind of just left it unexplored.
6/10