On the Inside (2011)

A decent but troubled young man is sent to a psychiatric institution for the criminally insane and soon finds himself in a fight for his life battling ghosts inside his head and very real enemies all around him.

Director:

D.W. Brown

Writer:

D.W. Brown

Stars:

Nick Stahl, Dash Mihok, Olivia Wilde

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nick Stahl	...	Allen Meneric
Dash Mihok	...	Carl Tarses
Olivia Wilde	...	Mia Conlon
Pruitt Taylor Vince	...	Ben Marshal
Shohreh Aghdashloo	...	Dr. Lofton
Tariq Trotter	...	Tom Bogotus
Daniel Franzese	...	Paul Warren
Daniel London	...	Nathan Parks
Joanne Baron	...	Mrs. Standings
Haley Webb	...	Allen's Girlfriend
D.W. Brown	...	Bearded Man
Amy Attaway	...	Female Doctor
George Drennen	...	Mason
Lissa Brennan	...	Lisa
Rick Applegate	...	Policeman

Storyline

Allen Meneric is committed to a psychiatric institution for the criminally insane because of a brutal revenge murder. There he is forced to deal with the very ill and the dangerous until, as part of a socialization program, he is transferred to minimum security where he meets Mia, a beautiful bipolar female inmate. Ever haunted by his past, Allen seeks his redemption when sudden events demand that he protect Mia from the violence and chaos of the institution.

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Plot Keywords:

love | murder | padded cell | release from prison | female prisoner | 

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Taglines:

There is no escaping the past.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 2011 (Australia)

Also Known As:

A Instituição

Filming Locations:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mike Wittlin Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color Color (35 mm version)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nick Stahl and Daniel Franzese previously appeared together in Bully (2001).

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Goofs

In the very last scene of the movie, when Mia is leaving the Northwood State prison, a very clear sign on the wall (on the left side) is saying "SHOP AND PARK". It doesn't make any sense in a prison parking lot.

User Reviews

Good but pointless

Hmm...not sure about this one.

The film was very well written, it was engaging, the actors were impressive and there was genuine emotional involvement.

But after watching it, instead of thinking "what a good film", all I could think was "what was the point of that?" And I'm not even someone who thinks films have to have deep and meaningful things to say but even Transformers has a point (save the world etc.) There is literally no reason for this film unless I missed something. Is there a message about being good? about rehabilitation? loneliness? what?! I don't know and I don't think I can recommend people watch a film that is so pointless.

I would give the film a 5 for "overall" enjoyment and at least 7 for the overall great execution of the film so I will rate it a 6.

Watch it if you are a fan of any of the actors because you won't be bored but don't be surprised when you feel strangely disappointed after watching.