Lynn Shelton and Jay Duplass’ Outside In (2018) tells the story of an ex-con reimmersed into his hometown after 20 years of being in prison. When reading the synopsis of the film, what predominantly caught my eye was the romance between main character Chris (Jay Duplass) and his older former teacher Carol (Edie Falco) bringing immediate skepticism.
I am very used to seeing in film age gap love stories played out, only to be cut off quickly, deemed as too “inappropriate” or “confusing” for one or both parties (especially when it comes to an older female relationship). However, when coming out of the movie, I realised it was a far more tasteful depiction, with the story essentially being of two people freed by each other.
Dragging quite noticeably at points, I certainly don’t think this is for everyone. I also believe that the story could have greatly benefited from being told from either the perspective of Carol or her daughter Hildy instead of following the tired and two-dimensional life of Chris. Having said this, anyone who enjoys American Indie films with an ultimately rewarding end will be pleased with what Outside In has to offer.
Two and a half beards out of five.
American Essentials Film Festival 2018
8-20 May 2018