Dead Within is a gripping horror-thriller film that was released in 2014. It is written by Matthew Bradford, directed by Ben Wagner and stars Dean Chekvala, J. Claude Deering, and Rick Federman. The film was shot in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, USA, which added to the eerie ambience of the film. The story of Dead Within revolves around a couple, Michael and Amy (played by Dean Chekvala and Amy Cale Peterson), who escape to a remote cabin in the woods after a mysterious outbreak of a deadly virus that has swept through their city. They have sealed themselves off in the cabin with a few essential supplies and are looking to wait out the crisis. The film opens with a tense scene where they are running away from their city, and the fast-paced camera work and editing create a sense of urgency that runs throughout the movie.
As they settle into their new life in the cabin, they begin to realize that they are not alone. They start hearing strange noises outside of their cabin, and Michael suspects that there is someone or something prowling around their property. As they continue to investigate, they begin to experience terrifying and inexplicable phenomena that suggest that there is a malevolent entity lurking in the woods surrounding them.
The film is deeply unsettling as it shows how crippling isolation can be to human beings. Amy and Michael are shown as a couple who, although they have each other, are finding it difficult to cope in their remote surroundings. With limited supplies of food and water, and no communication with the outside world, their situation progressively worsens, and the sense of desperation and hopelessness grows.
The film uses a minimalist narrative approach to excellent effect. Much of the negative space in the film is filled with the soundscape of the surrounding woods; rustling leaves, the wind, and unexplained whispers build tension before any jump scares or gory scenes even occur. The horror of the film exists in what isn't seen as much as what is seen. The use of ambient sound is top-notch, and the sound design is commendable.
Dead Within is a film that is as much about the relationship between Amy and Michael as it is about the supernatural forces that seem to be at work. It delves into the fear that comes with not knowing what is happening and being cut off from the rest of the world. The performances of the lead actors, especially Dean Chekvala, are commendable. With strong character arcs and dialogue that remains uncompromising, the movie manages to deliver a character-driven horror story that balances thrills with emotional depth.
The cinematography and lighting of the film are skillful, with a clear sense of composition and a striking use of natural light in the forest scenes. Most of the movie is shot in natural light, with the dark corners of the cabin contrasted against the bright sunlight coming in from the windows. The framing of the shots, combined with the pacing of the editing and the music score, creates a sense of increasing tension that leads the audience through the twists and surprises of the story.
Overall, Dead Within is a well-crafted horror movie that is not only scary but also emotionally engaging. It grasps what it means to be human and alone and confronts the viewer with the pessimism and dread that one would face in a world where hopelessness and chaos reign. This movie is highly recommended for horror fans who are looking for something different than mainstream horror movies. It is a film that shows how isolation can be a dangerous and terrifying thing, and how the unknown can be much worse than what is known.
Dead Within is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.
