It Lives Inside (2023) Movie Cast: The film features a diverse cast of actors, including:
- Megan Suri as Sam / Samidha, the protagonist who becomes the host of the Pishach.
- Neeru Bajwa as Poorna, Sam’s mother who tries to keep her connected to her Indian heritage.
- Mohana Krishnan as Tamira, Sam’s former best friend who is tormented by the Pishach.
- Betty Gabriel as Joyce, Sam’s teacher who helps her learn about the Pishach.
- Vik Sahay as Inesh, Sam’s father who is more lenient towards her.
- Gage Marsh as Russ, Sam’s love interest who is killed by the Pishach.
- Jenaya Ross as The Pishach, the voice and motion capture of the entity.
It Lives Inside (2023) Movie Recap:
The film begins with Sam, a high school student of East Indian origin, trying to fit in with her white friends and rejecting her culture. She has a crush on Russ, a classmate who likes her back. She has grown apart from Tamira, her former best friend who is also Indian, and who acts strangely and carries a glass jar everywhere. Tamira claims that the jar contains a supernatural entity that has been tormenting her, and that it is related to a story they were told as children about a Pishach, a demonic spirit that feeds on negative energy. Sam does not believe her and smashes the jar, causing Tamira to panic and disappear. Sam feels guilty and starts to notice a strange presence around her.
She finds a notebook that Tamira left behind, which has Sanskrit writings and drawings of the entity. She learns that the entity was previously sealed in a jar by another Indian student, Karan, who died along with his family in a mysterious fire. She and Russ go to Karan’s house, where they find more clues about the entity and its origins. They also kiss and develop feelings for each other. However, the entity attacks and kills Russ outside the house, leaving Sam traumatized and alone.
She seeks help from Joyce, who is familiar with Sanskrit and Indian mythology. Joyce tells her that the entity is a Pishach, and that the only way to stop it is to seal it inside something again. Sam also asks for help from her mother, Poorna, who is angry at her for ignoring Indian traditions and skipping a prayer for Tamira. Poorna agrees to help her, and they prepare a ritual to lure out the Pishach. However, the entity attacks them and injures Sam’s father, Inesh, who comes home unexpectedly. It also wounds Joyce, who is at the school.
Sam realizes that Tamira is still alive and being held captive by the Pishach at Karan’s house. She goes there to rescue her, and faces the entity, which reveals its true form to her. It is a grotesque creature with sharp teeth, claws, and eyes. Sam finds Tamira, who is badly hurt and scared. Sam decides to sacrifice herself and become the vessel for the Pishach, allowing it to possess her and spare Tamira.
A year later, Sam is shown having dinner with Tamira, Joyce, Poorna, and Inesh, who have all recovered from their injuries. They have managed to contain the Pishach by feeding Sam raw meat, as Tamira did with the jar. Sam and Tamira have reconciled and become friends again. Sam assures Tamira that the Pishach will never get out, but she looks increasingly worried and scared, until she breaks down in tears.
It Lives Inside (2023) Movie Review:
It Lives Inside is a gripping and terrifying horror film that blends cultural elements with supernatural scares. The film is well-written and directed by Bishal Dutta, who creates a tense and atmospheric mood throughout. The film also benefits from the strong performance of Megan Suri, who convincingly portrays Sam’s transformation from a normal teenager to a possessed vessel. The film also features a talented supporting cast, especially Mohana Krishnan, who delivers a sympathetic and heartbreaking performance as Tamira.The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and violence of the Pishach, which is rendered with impressive visual effects and sound design. The film also explores themes of cultural identity, friendship, and survival, and how they are challenged by the presence of the Pishach. The film shows how Sam struggles to balance her American and Indian sides, and how her relationship with Tamira is affected by their different choices. The film also shows how the Pishach feeds on the negative emotions of its victims, and how Sam and Tamira try to overcome their fears and guilt.
The film is not without flaws, however. Some of the characters are underdeveloped, such as Russ, who serves as a generic love interest for Sam, and Karan, who is only briefly mentioned as a previous victim of the Pishach. The film also relies on some clichés and jump scares, such as the Pishach appearing in mirrors and behind doors. The film also has a bleak and ambiguous ending, which may leave some viewers unsatisfied or confused.
Watch OR Not: It Lives Inside is a film that horror fans will enjoy, as it offers a fresh and original take on the genre. The film is also a good choice for viewers who are interested in learning more about Indian culture and mythology, as it incorporates elements of both. The film is not for the faint of heart, however, as it contains graphic scenes of violence and gore, as well as disturbing themes of possession and torture. The film is also not for those who prefer a happy or clear-cut ending, as it leaves many questions unanswered.
Overall: It Lives Inside is a well-made and scary horror film that showcases the talent of Bishal Dutta and Megan Suri. The film is a thrilling and terrifying ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film is also a thoughtful and emotional exploration of cultural identity, friendship, and survival. The film is not perfect, but it is definitely worth watching. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Sources: imdb.com | en.wikipedia.org