The Evil in Us is an intense ride into madness with zombie-like behavior, which includes an appetite for human flesh. As a bonus, it has a really cool explanation at the end!

The Evil in Us posterThe Evil in Us takes place during a 4th of July getaway, but it’s actually a Canadian production. We’re following a group of friends, while also witnessing what’s happening in other parts of the country. There’s nothing in the story that would indicate this isn’t a US production, though. Especially since it takes place on America’s Independence Day.

Well, you know, except for the truly awesome ending, which is probably very typical of how outsiders tend to view the American way. When we’re a bit pessimistic and tainted by Hollywood, anyway.

But… we don’t do spoiler filled reviews here at Heaven of Horror, so I won’t get further into this. I just had to mention how The Evil in Us does have a damn fine ending!

Also, we all know there’s something really great about an ending that gives you that final gut punch. With The Evil in Us it’s not that they’re wrapping it all up nicely for us. They just offer more of an explanation than we’re used to with horror movies.

The Evil in Us - Debs Howard

There’s plenty of blood and violence in The Evil in Us, which is exactly as you’d expect. After all, this is about people turning into blood thirsty creatures!



 

The Evil in Us is the feature film debut for writer and director Jason William Lee. He’s done a couple of short films, so it’s not like he’s a complete newcomer. Still, this movie is a pretty bold debut. It’s intense, creepy and – best of all – it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I mean, we are talking about people turning into something reminiscent of zombies, so it would be difficult if it becomes too dramatic.

The runtime is a perfect 90 minutes, which ensures enough time to tell the story, but also keeps it tight. The Evil in Us is never boring or going in circles, so you do feel like it’s constantly moving ahead. The story is always evolving, which keeps the audience engaged.

The Evil in Us review

When it comes to the cast of The Evil in Us, it featured a lot of unfamiliar faces. But really, this is pretty good for the story. They all worked really well, though – as always – some work better than others. To me, the core cast of Debs Howard (iZombie), Ian Collins (Supernatural), Danny Zaporozan, Behtash Fazlali, Marina Pasqua and Kylee Bush worked perfectly as the group of friends. Complete with its own past drama and issues that keep surfacing. Obviously, this also means you know exactly who will be the first victim, whenever one of them turns.




The only issue I had with this movie was about the characters. They’re all interesting enough, but also too one-dimensional. The term “cookie cutter” comes to mind, but it’s not that they’re very stereotypical, they just don’t offer us the chance to go a bit deeper. This isn’t something that ruins a horror movie, when the story is otherwise working. It does, however, keep it from becoming a really great movie.

If you get the chance to check out The Evil in Us at a film festival, then I would definitely recommend getting tickets for it.

The Evil in Us premiered at Fright Fest in London this past August, and will be featured at Sitges Film Festival in Spain this October. Also, it’ll be out on DVD in the UK this October.

Details

Director: Jason William Lee
Writer: Jason William Lee
Cast: Debs Howard, Danny Zaporozan, Behtash Fazlali, Ian Collins, Marina Pasqua and Kylee Bush

Plot

While on a fourth of July holiday, six best friends fall victim to the insidious plan of a mysterious organization when they are unknowingly transformed into bloodthirsty cannibals.

Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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