Before we start, no, this is not a movie based on the horror video game of the same name. That question seems to come up a lot whenever this movie gets discussed, so let’s just put that to bed right now. In fact, I’d argue that The Evil Within is a movie far more worth of mention than its console counterpart, in no small part for the remarkable backstory behind it. For those of you who have never heard of it, The Evil Within is director Andrew Getty’s only film. A grandson of the incredibly wealthy (and often controversial) J Paul Getty, this was a passion project borne out of Getty’s own disturbing nightmares, which are represented here in some disturbing sequences. This was a movie that was shooting for nearly a decade, with work beginning on in 2002. Yes, that’s not a misprint – this one took fifteen years to see the light of day. Getty was meticulous and specific in how his vision should come to life, shooting most of the movie in his own mansion which he effectively transformed into a horror movie set, complete with a freshly built production studio. Even after shooting was complete, Getty spent many years editing the piece, striving for perfection before his death in 2015 from internal bleeding, allegedly exacerbated by an extensive methamphetamine habit. Work on the film was completed by producer Michael Luceri in order that a decade and a half of endeavour could finally be seen on screen. All that alone makes this a fascinating offering, which even days after watching I still feel in two minds about. The story itself follows Dennis and his brother John, with Dennis being our lead, a young man with a learning disability struggling to make sense of his horrific nightmares. This is soon followed by a mirror version of himself, a darker version that promises it can help him if he follows its instructions. The first instruction is to kill the neighbours’ cat, but much worse is still to come. Meanwhile John faces a battle to keep his relationship together while ensuring he can care for Dennis well enough to avoid the intervention of Social Services. On the plus side, there are distinctly chilling visuals in here, and what is widely considered an excellent lead performance from Fred Koehler, and there are bits of this that are liable to stay with me for a long time. The style is distinctive, and I’d struggle to draw an exact comparison to anything else. Michael Berryman’s limited time on screen is also very well spent, and he’s a fine antagonist when he’s present as ‘The Cadaver’. But with all that said, there are elements in here that show this was created by a novice filmmaker. At times the script is clunky, with some logic holes clearly visible, and there are certain scenes that are hard to explain, not least an utterly bizarre ending that looks like a circus from Hell. Some things feel like they’re not quite happening in the real world, even though they are meant to be, and there are several story threads that ultimately wind up going nowhere. It would probably have been fascinating had Getty ever turned his attention to a second movie, but sadly that was not meant to be. How to conclude this one? The Evil Within is an experience, and if you place it within the context of its creation then it certainly takes on an added significance, obviously being a deeply personal work that was the obsession of someone who ultimately never had to turn his hand to filmmaking at all. The movie cost Getty an estimated $6 million dollars of his own money, at least some of which was raised by selling his belongings, so this was certainly a labour of love. I can’t say everything hits the mark, but this one is worth seeking out as a curio if it won’t necessarily be the best movie you’re ever liable to see. RATING: 6/10. Is The Evil Within a mess? Sort of, but part of me think that gives its origin story it was always going to be. Are there good ideas and strong visuals as part of it? Yes, they are there. Are there some fine acting performances? I’d say yes again. Does it make any great deal of sense? Often not. Should you watch it? If you find yourself drawn to the strange and the out-there tales behind the film, then you absolutely should. If none of the above background to the film interests you, then you might not get so much out of it. 6/10 feels fair all told, though I am glad that I’ve watched this one and found out that bit more about it. TODAY ON THE GINGER NUTS OF HORROR WEBSITETHIRTEEN FOR HALLOWEEN: VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE – BLOODLINES THE HEART AND SOUL OF HORROR MOVIE REVIEW WEBSITES |
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