Watch The Devil Outside

The Devil Outside is a drama/thriller movie released in 2018 directed by Andrew Hulme. The story follows a teenage boy named Robert (Harvey Scrimshaw) growing up in a strict Pentecostal community in rural England during the 1980s. Robert is searching for answers to his religious doubts and, as he struggles with his faith, he becomes increasingly alienated from his family, friends, and community. His mother (Keeley Forsyth) is frantically trying to bring him back to the church, while his father (Mark Stobbart) is more understanding and supportive of his son's struggles.

The movie is a coming-of-age story that depicts Robert's personal and spiritual journey. It explores the themes of faith, sexuality, and adolescence in a repressive religious setting. Harvey Scrimshaw's performance as Robert is remarkable, capturing the character's quiet desperation and existential angst. The actor's expressive face conveys a wide range of emotions, from fear to confusion to anger, with subtlety and nuance.

The cinematography of The Devil Outside is stunning, capturing the beauty and isolation of the rural landscape. The movie uses wide shots of the rolling hills, green fields, and ominous skies to create a sense of space and freedom. The camera work also captures the claustrophobia of the church services and the suffocation of the religious community. The use of natural light and muted colors reinforces the sense of gloom and austerity that pervades the movie.

The movie has a slow pace, which might not be for everyone. However, the deliberate pace allows the viewer to immerse themselves in Robert's internal struggles and anxieties. The filmmaker also creates a sense of tension and unease through the use of sound and editing. The movie uses silence, ambient noises, and sudden cuts to create a sense of disorientation and mystery. The sound design is particularly impressive, drawing attention to small details such as the creaking floorboards, the rustling of leaves, or the sound of breathing.

The Devil Outside is not a horror movie, but it has some unnerving and creepy moments. The movie uses dream sequences, hallucinations, and religious rituals to create a sense of surrealism and psychological horror. Some scenes are disturbing and unsettling, but they are never gratuitous or exploitative. The movie also avoids cheap scares or jump scares, opting instead for a more atmospheric and psychological approach.

The movie has a strong cast, with believable and nuanced performances from all the actors. Keeley Forsyth is particularly good as Robert's mother, conveying a mix of love, concern, and fanaticism. Mark Stobbart is also excellent as Robert's father, a man torn between his loyalty to his family and his faith. The supporting cast is also impressive, with memorable performances from Ross Anderson as the charismatic and enigmatic pastor, and Thomas McMullan as the troubled and rebellious Will.

Overall, The Devil Outside is a haunting and thought-provoking movie that will appeal to fans of character-driven dramas and psychological thrillers. The movie is beautifully shot and well-acted, with a tight script and a powerful message. It is a movie that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, leaving you with questions and insights about faith, identity, and belonging.