The Devil Outside – unsettling tale of religion and adolescence

Watch a trailer for The Devil Outside.

Andrew Hulme follows his impressive debut, Snow in Paradise, with another film that explores the grip of religious fervour. In this loosely autobiographical story, Robert (Noah Carson) must juggle his born-again Christian upbringing with the temptations of adolescence and the devilish influence of a new friend. To complicate matters further, Robert believes he may have received a message from God. It’s low key in its approach, creating a sense of unease with glimpses of charged moments – the intimate way Robert’s devout mother prays with the dangerously charismatic lay preacher, breath mixing, hands glancing. The way his father sees everything and says nothing, politely guarding his wounded pride. It’s not a film that sets out to shock but it does succeed in quietly unsettling the audience.