Review of From Within (2008) by Steve S — 11 Dec 2010
From Within is an entertaining and somewhat original ghost story that also serves as a rather strong indictment of fundamentalist religion and theocracy. The film opens with a teenage boy committing suicide as his female companion watches, and a string of apparent suicides begins to plague the town thereafter.
A fundamentalist, mega-church serves as the center of this town's life--it influences every aspect of the town's quotidian activities from buying new dresses to school bullying. The film's protagonist is the preacher's son's girlfriend, but she soon befriends a misfit after the preacher's son beats him up in front of the whole school/congregation.
The misfit ends up being a member of a pagan family who participates in Wiccan-like lifestyles and beliefs. The film's action unfolds as she is torn between the Christian and pagan boyfriend, or (as we might phrase it) between fascism and freedom.
From Within is rather heavy-handed and blunt in its critique, but it manages to be both creepy and socially relevant. Ultimately, it is a film about how the most evil forces do not stem from the supernatural but from the dark heart of human nature and the corrupt institutions it creates.
This review of From Within (2008) was written by Steve S on 11 Dec 2010.
From Within has generally received mixed reviews.
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