User reviews

The story is focused on Chris, a likeable guy in his late 30's who has just been released from prison after a 20 year stint. He was jailed for a crime he didn't commit and his early release is down to his former school teacher Carol who has spent practically the last 20 years supporting and working on his case to prove his innocence. Carol is much older than Chris and their time together has created a bond. Carol is married and has a daughter. Carol's marriage and home life is problematic, not helped by the amount of time she has spent fighting Chris's case in addition to her regular teaching job. That's the background to the movie but the real joy is seeing how Chris integrates back into small town life in Granite Falls, Washington State. His relationships with those around him. The stigma associated with his imprisonment His innocence attracting the attention of potential lovers. Then there's that bond between Chris and Carol and where that might lead. There's a lot of love and thought gone into the story. The 2 lead characters are superbly cast and absolutely carry the movie. I was very impressed with the camera work. Some really nicely composed shots and direction that helped to portray the atmosphere without being 'in your face different' My rating 8/10 Highly recommended if you like a good drama

A quiet piece of theatre that explodes into diverse emotions. It doesn't delve much into why Chris was imprisoned for 20 years but into how he copes with being free in a world that has passed him by. (He is amazed at what smartphones can do but he doesn't know whether he can send or receive SMS on his phone!)

Understandably, he has strong feelings for Carol, his only friend for 20 years, who helped him to become a free man. This causes problems for her, her family and himself.

Edie Falco's performance is powerful in a quiet, understated sort of way. The conflict that she has to deal with is palpable. Jay Duplass delivers magnificently on his role as a recently released prisoner with ambivalent but strong emotions. Add to these, Kaitlyn Denver's and Ben Schwartz's portrayal, and you have a powerful movie in the making.

The music is haunting: the ukelele and organ background music soars.

This movie is all about dealing with relationships, mending them, asking for forgiveness. Human drama at its best.

Really beautifully written story and great acting. How it feels to come back to the world after a twenty year incarceration. Feeling deep feelings of love for the only person that fought for release from prison, in spite of a huge age difference and also complicated by her marital status.

This movie certainly kept my interest and I rooted for the two main characters, who portrayed a palpable sadness. I wanted them to find happiness, and toward the end of the film, I believe they did. Just not nicely wrapped up with a bow, as life is not usually like that. So I appreciated the ending also.

Great supporting cast as well.

Don't listen to the negative reviews. The subplots were also interesting and important. If you like films that steer away from action, sci-fi, and romance, and would like to see a film about the intricacies and complications of everyday life, this is a must see.

Although Lynn Shelton's slice of small town Pacific Northwest life (pay attention Everett and Granite Falls) in Outside In is so authentic as to defy artful interpretations, it is a minimalist portrait of ambitions circumscribed and affections compromised. In other words, it elevates working class melodrama into art house heavy while retaining the hint of desperate housewives of any small town.

Almost 40-year old Chris (Jay Duplass) has been released from prison after 20 years with the aid of his do-gooder former teacher, Carol (Edie Falco). Arriving in Granite Falls, Washington State, he is faced with hitherto unsuspected expectations from the two leading ladies: Carol and her daughter Hildy (Kaitlyn Dever). A brief brush with another lady reminds us that a handsome bachelor, recently released from prison for being innocent, is fair game for romantically inclined small-town women.

Shelton's approach is to let the realism dominate without veering too sharply into contrived, ironic situations. Chris's adjustment into civilian life will be fraught with suspicion and jealousy, just as in the real world his siblings and friends have always lived.

Falco and Duplass are so believably good as two adults who need to start life over that you miss the clichés and unsurprising turns because the leads become family whose fates matter very much to us.

Outside In is not kitchen-sink drama; it is simply simple life warm, troubled, and endearing. And that acting . . . .

"There are aspects of small town life that I really like - the routine nature of it, the idea of people knowing you and your likes and dislikes." Cress Williams

"Outside In" tells a fascinating story about a man trying to readjust to the outside world after spending 20 years in prison. I really enjoyed the film's atmosphere, it has a pretty consistent tone that works wonders for when it's at it's most subtle, which I find to be the biggest strength of the film. These are the moments when the actors truly shine and there is a lot to dig into just from their facial expressions.

Sadly, the script leaves a bit to be desired from it's meandering structure and some of the dialogue, but mostly just from how it leaves a lot of stones unturned. The film has some twists and turns that really work, but some are left on an unsatisfying note. The conflict between Jay Duplass and Ben Schwartz's characters could have been really intriguing, but comes really out of left field and doesn't feel very pointed. Not to mention, some moments between them feels melodramatic in how they are executed. I would ask if that entire conflict was really needed as it sorta gets clouded in the mix, despite sticking the landing quite well. I also felt Kaitlyn Dever's character Hildy was heavily mishandled, the film was clearly trying to convey something that I believe to be very riveting and interesting about her, but it kind of just fizzles out which is a real shame.

Overall, the film executes it's main story and the characters played by Jay Duplass and Edie Falco well enough with slick cinematography and emotion. While the soundtrack was off-putting at first and I could see it being a huge distraction for some, it eventually grew on me to add to the experience and make the film feel more unique. I just wish the film had a better sense of purpose for some of it's dramatic elements, it's disappointing because they were really immersive with tons of potential and kind of just left it unexplored.

6/10

Its ok if you have nothing else to watch or do. My only complaint is why a forty year old man, no matter how short of money rides around on a childs bicycle.

This is a great film and I enjoyed it but the story should have been a little different.

Chris and Carol relationship just seems odd and not right. I'm not saying because of the major age difference. But in the scenes where Hildy and Chris hang out I can feel the spark. It got me up out of my seats seeing them two hang. Even though she's underage in the film. She was over 18 when the film was shot.

Every time I saw Chris and Carol scenes I got bored. Edie Falco is a beautiful actress but the younger actress Kaitlyn Dever should have ended up being with Chris.

The script could have been better if it was like this:

Chris gets out of prison and loves Carol but Carol don't want to ruin her relationship with her husband. So she leads Chris on. Through all of that Chris is building a romantic relationship with Caol's daughter Hildy. Carol sees that Chris is falling for her daughter. So she becomes jealous and presses charges since Hildy is still underage. Chris gets sent back to jail for violating his parole.

Like why would the director/writer give hints that Hilby likes Chris when the film doesn't bring it up.

Edie Falco from the Sopranos played a subdued character. She was good. The music was worth listening to. A pleasant movie.

Outside In imdb says 2017... roku says 2018. Chris (duplass) is just out of prison, for something he didn't do. And he's having a hard time adjusting; some people get it, some people don't. He expects too much from his close friends, and he's just not content to sit on the couch and watch tv. We can feel the awkwardness, as chris faces all the uncomfortable situations. Including wanting to hang out with an older, married woman (falco). He's having a hard time finding work, so he has way too much free time. Which isn't helping. Can chris get back to a somewhat normal life? Can he repair things with his brother? It's okay. Interesting to watch, but moves pretty slowly. Directed by lynn shelton. She died young at 54 from leukemia. She also wrote and directed hump day. Also starring mark duplass.

Director: Lynn Shelton and writers: Jay Duplass & Lynn Shelton have created a story that goes straight to the heart & soul. Beautifully scripted, filmed, and acted "Outside In" is one of those unforgettable stories that puts tears in your eyes but a sense of hope and joy in your heart.

Jay Duplass plays 'Chris' an ex-con who comes home after 20 years in jail. We know his readjustment to everyday life will be challenging for him but too his luck there are people there who do not want to judge him for a long past crime. Love and friendship finds it's way back into his life but this brings alot of troublesome baggage with it. Chis just wants to do whats right!

This is a beautifully made film and the Duplass brothers have another star in their crown. I truly hope this movie gets the public attention it so deserves. Seek it out and watch it!

7.3 stars.

This is about a guy named Chris who is just released from serving a 20 year sentence. That is how the movie begins. As the story continues, we can see that he's literally the nicest person around. We are introduced to his brother and some friends and a woman (Falco) who advocated for him to get him released from prison. He loves her for what she has done, literally. She is married, much older than he, and has a daughter. It's a tense situation. She is unhappily married, though, and her daughter is not happy either.

Everyone really likes Chris, and it's a shame he was in there for the most crucial years of his life. Throughout the narrative we experience his loneliness. It's quite sad. He has a lot of catching up to do.

It's wonderful to see all the people in his life now that he's on the outside, and how they all like him and try to treat him with kindness. They don't hold it against him, and of course, there is a reason he probably shouldn't have been in prison in the first place.

A wonderful and heartfelt film, this is as basic a drama as they come. There is no violence, no nudity, no tension, no nothing. But there is a very solemn feeling of warmth and sympathy for a charismatic guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In these days of so-called big budget Fifty Shades of so-so, thank God for films like "Outside In". Seriously, thank you! "Outside In" is the real deal where love is heart-breaking, painfully flawed, raw! And possibly home-breaking on occasion. This heart-wrenching earth-shattering near-lyrical drama piece grips my heart in a vice from its gentle-toned beginning right to its powerful end. My heart is in my throat begging for a chance and some understanding for the main character, CHRIS, who has been without understanding and compassion, even love, for so long (20 years) his life has become a desert without water, and I kept praying as I watched, for him not to be broken or hurt further by the one person from whom such an act would be a killing blow, Carol. A Tale of the purest innocent love so heart-achingly portrayed that I am without words. Give me "Outside In" over Fifty Shades of Whatever any day!

I'm totally hooked watching this wonderful film by the late Lynn Shelton. Exceptional and beautiful story by her which she also co-wrote with the lead actor in this film, Jay Duplass who played the character of an 'ex-con' named Chris. I don't see any flaw in the storytelling of this film

The drama is closely related to the ordinary people who live every day life normally. There's no flashy clothes, cars or any grand lifestyle for the characters. It's a story of a wrongfully accused ex-prisoner named Chris who just got released after serving 20 years, with the help of his ex high school teacher, Carol Beasley (Edie Falco), who take a pro bono case to gain freedom for Chris. What seem to be an easy free life to the outside world, is full of unexpected inside challenges.

Recommended especially for drama themed film's lovers.

There's a strange quality to Outside In that made me feel like I was watching a movie I've seen before. There's a particular style to indie character dramas like this one that can start to feel familiar and unoriginal. I can't point to a specific movie I've seen about a man who gets released from prison and wants to date an older woman who helped him get out, but I always felt like I was 3 steps ahead of the story in this movie. They telegraph things early, and don't really deviate from the expected narrative. Honestly, I was much more intrigued by the relationship between the main character and the young girl, because that had more nuance to it. I liked the idea of a guy who was incarcerated at a young age finding that he relates more to young people when he gets out. There are some awkward moments that I didn't enjoy, but otherwise the story was just fine. The acting was decent, and the characters were somewhat compelling. It's one of the most average movies I can remember watching in recent memory. I wasn't bored by it, but I also wasn't enthralled by it. I wanted to see how the story would end, but I also don't know if I'll remember how it ended within a few months. It's the kind of movie that will fade from my memory and get mixed in with the large number of other bland character dramas I've seen throughout my life. Outside In even has a forgettable title.

Just when I begin to think that everything worth while that can be said in a movie has been said along comes a brilliant work like Outside In! Other reviewers have done a good job of sketching in the outlines of this unforgettable film so I'll just say that in a seemingly understated style the writer, director, and actors did a brilliant job of recreating the almost mind numbing complexities of what might at first appear to be a simple plot. There is an "authenticity" to this film that at first appears gritty but later turns out to be quite tender. Whatever life throws at the characters their response is reserved and measured. Sincere! Everyone but Carol's husband reaches out, tries to put themselves in the other person's shoes, and seems willing to put self interest aside. When tears are shed you don't find yourself wondering how the actors made themselves cry, when laughter occurs it rings genuine, not scripted. Complexities are not made simple, endings are left open, important details are left for filling until near the end. Time and again I found myself putting myself in the actor's shoes, trying to figure out why they said a particular thing, or why they responded to something said, or left unsaid, in a particular way. From beginning to end this film was so "real" that I felt like a member of the cast myself. Great film and I will be watching it again in a few weeks!

Beautifully written, directed and acted, it is a simple yet powerful in its simplicity. tender little gem of a movie. The cinematography's is minimalist and gorgeous. The two main characters are absolutely great. Totally loved it.

This is one of biggest steaming piles of garbage you will ever witness. Some decent cinematography and half decent acting on the part of Kaitlyn Dever and the supporting cast. Sadly the main characters develop no personalities of any interest or value. In short, an idiot gets released from prison with the help of one of his older lady teachers and returns home to ride his bike around town. He's very indecisive and annoying, and spends all his time apologizing for stupid stuff. The characters blunder from one ridiculous act to the next stupid and unrealistic event. Add in the most annoying soundtrack that doesn't relate to the "action" on the screen in any way and it's a real effort to get through this stinker. I went from minute to minute towards the end. It's so bad I found myself laughing at what I'm sure were supposed to be the most dramatic and impactful moments. A complete flop, with such predictable turns and cringing dialogue you will want to strangle everyone associated with getting this thing made in the first place. It had a strong premise, and in more capable hands could have been a powerful movie.

The more I think about Lynn Shelton being gone, the more it's a punch in the gut. Outside In is yet another simply told story about people who are just fully themselves in all their vulnerable and warm and sometimes very troubled ways. This is filmmaking where you barely feel a false note, because you can feel the person behind the camera is intimately connected with her subjects. It's like Cassavetes if it was... calmer. This is a film with such compassion without ever going out of its way to go for the easy emotions. Jay Duplass quietly makes a powerhouse performance being so natural we don't see any acting. And Edie Falco is given a splendid, conflicted person who knows her heart is in one place and not the other. It's a film about what it means to have a family in the starkest sense.

I love Falco, and some reviews for this movie were good so I watched it. This may have been at least in the top 5 worst movies I have ever seen. Don't watch it, it's awful. The male lead is whiny, always getting tears in his eyes, and just someone you don't sympathize with at all. Falco is good, but the story is awful and takes you places you don't need or want to go. What a mess. Avoid it.

Sensitive film, beautiful photo and played with small gestures makes this the best drama for quiet some time. Lots of undertones, dark and light ones. Took it to my heart,

Good story, good acting, good cinematography... The score didn't catch my attention, but I guess it must have been decent. Loved the different relationships between characters. Also Kaitlyn Dever is so adorable! She brings a smile on my face every time I see her on screen.

I so wanted and expected to love this.

And I really tried to. I can only assume that they were trying to portray the stunted emotional growth of an 18 year old banged up for 20 years but I just kept thinking "Why is he riding around on that ridiculous bike & acting like a teenager, and why would a 16 year old girl be interested in hanging out with a 38 year old man?"

I really hate to be judgmental. I love Edie Falco and I loved the premise of the film.

But to really engage with a film you have to be able to totally believe in the characters and although I really tried to, I just couldn't suspend my confusion and slight irritation.

As for Edie Falco's emotionally stunted, bombastic husband, why oh why would she not simply cut her losses and scarper with her daughter? It's not like she'd be doing her a disservice by removing her from such an absurdly dysfunctional parody of a relationship.

Unless if I'd persevered all of the above would have been clarified and resolved in the second half of the film.

This movie may not fit into releasing to major theaters. However, it is a touching one. I like the unassuming kindness and unorthodox story telling.

Human beings are fragile in our own natures. There are moments when circumstances are beyond our controls and our morals and virtues are put into tested. Making right choices becomes challenging to our souls and bodies. We have to turn to the higher power for guidances. Doing right things seldom presents conveniences. It often requires courage. But if we don't consistently challenge our souls, our lives as we know might be heading into extinction.

We have nature to be selfish and unsympathetic. This movie showed how the opposite side could be. It is a great treat for our souls.

(Some of the photography wasnt that great) story was touching and sensitive. The age differences needs to be acceptable in our society as well as ex-cons needing more attention. It was good.