They’re Outside is a frustrating experience, with a poor first half that gets a bit better in the second half.
Synopsis
In They’re Outside, a film by Airell Anthony Hayles and Sam Casserly, a YouTube psychologist named Max investigates a woman called Sarah who became agoraphobic after her daughter disappeared, and he arrogantly assumes it’s just a psychological issue, but soon realizes there’s something much more at play.
My Thoughts
I really wasn’t a big fan of this film I am afraid, the first half in particular is pretty rough with the execution and a film I found pretty hard to take too seriously, which is a problem.
Max’s character is written like a cartoon villain and the dialogue is pretty clunky between himself and Sarah, and none of it feels real, and you can smell the forced messaging a mile away.
The second half works a little bit better than the first half, which was a drag, and the film becomes more interesting with the story somewhat and the horror, but it’s still a bit of a mess at the same time, especially with the pacing.
At one point, the characters are talking about some footage they captured, but we don’t actually see it until much later, and it’s like someone telling you, Mate, you won’t believe what I saw, and then refusing to show you the evidence until half an hour later when any impact it could have had has been lost, what is the point in that?
The idea and premise behind the film isn’t too bad really, but I don’t think it was executed as well as it could have been, despite some decent moments in the second half.
If they had cleaned up the script, cut out the unnecessary fluff, and let the horror elements breathe, this could have been something pretty good.
Instead, it’s a decent idea buried under awkward execution, and maybe watch it if you’re into found footage horror as the 2nd half isn’t too shabby, but don’t expect it to blow your mind, as it is a frustrating experience.
Good Points
Decent Second Half – Once the film moves past its first half which was quite poor, the film does improve a bit.
The Ending – Despite the film’s flaws, the final act has some decent moments.
Some Decent Atmospheric Moments – While I wasn’t a big fan of the film, it definitely has its moments.
Bad Points
Awkward, Unnatural Dialogue – The characters often talk in a way that doesn’t feel real and isn’t engaging.
Botched Editing Choices – I really don’t understand some of the editing choices made in the film, as these choices made certain scenes not have the impact they should have had.
Feels Like a Missed Opportunity – The story could have been great, but weak execution holds it back.
Is It Worth Watching?
They’re Outside has a good idea at its core and the film does have some genuinely decent moments, but the first half is so awkward and poorly written that it’s a struggle to get through, despite the second half being better.
If you love found footage horror and don’t mind clunky dialogue, it might still be worth a watch, but overall, it’s a frustrating case of some good ideas buried under bad execution.
They’re Outside On IMDB
They’re Outside Trailer
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Sam Casserly, Airell Anthony Hayles
Main Cast – Tom Wheatley, Chrissy Randall, Emily Booth, Emma Burdon-Sutton, Nicholas Vince, Brad Moore, Nicole Miners.
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