Cast
View AllEdie Falco
as Carol
Jay Duplass
as Chris
Louis Hobson
as Matt
Alycia Delmore
as Tara
Ben Schwartz
as Ted
Pamela Reed
as Aunt Bette
Kaitlyn Dever
as Hildy
Stephen Grenley
as Phil
Charles Leggett
as Tom
Meagan Kimberly Smith
as Yasmine
Emily Cowan
as Hildy's Friend
Tori Leos
as Hildy's Friend
Mackenzy Petit
as Hildy's Friend
Samantha Gene Smith
as Hildy's Friend
Shantell Wampler
as Hildy's Friend
Crew
Director
- Lynn Shelton
Writer
- Jay Duplass
- Lynn Shelton
Producer
- Mel Eslyn
- Lacey Leavitt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Outside In examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lynn Shelton brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Outside In took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Outside In shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Edward Scissorhands, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Outside In offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Jackie Brown and Boys Don't Cry explore similar territory, Outside In stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 30, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 49m
Where to Watch

