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Outside In review: A nuanced and naturalistic drama

By Matt Conway

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 10: (L-R) Actors Jay Duplass and Edie Falco, SXSW director of film Janet Pierson, and director Lynn Shelton attend the 'Outside In' premiere during the 2018 SXSW Conference and Festivals at the ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)
AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 10: (L-R) Actors Jay Duplass and Edie Falco, SXSW director of film Janet Pierson, and director Lynn Shelton attend the 'Outside In' premiere during the 2018 SXSW Conference and Festivals at the ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW) /
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Bolstering nuanced performances and an involving narrative, Outside In ranks as one of the year’s first great movies. 

Lynn Shelton is easily one of my favorite directors working today. As well as some great work on TV (Masters of None and Love), Shelton has made a career off creating personal indie dramas. Films like Your Sister’s Sister have stuck with me long after viewing because of the fantastic character work and grounded drama that occur in her films. Shelton, along with her micro-budget counterparts Joe Swanberg and The Duplass Brothers, have a made a career out of creating nuanced dramas out of very minimal finances.

After a four year break, Shelton is back with Outside In, this time collaborating with Jay Duplass. The film follows Chris, a man who has just gotten out of prison after 20 years in thanks largely to his proactive high school teacher Carol. The intense bond they developed is put to the test when Chris is a free man.

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Establishing itself as one of the year’s first great achievements, Outside In is a seemingly modest drama that packs an impactful punch thanks to its grade-A level performances and authentic approach to its narrative.

For both Shelton and Duplass, this film is a shinning example of their evolution as writers. The complexion that is put forth into fleshing out these characters is commendable, as much of the development is done seamless into the narrative. The naturalism on display here is pinpoint perfect, as there is never a story choice made that feels authentic to who these characters are. There have been a lot of movies made about people getting out of jail, but few have approached the subject with such detail.

Lynn Shelton’s gifts as a director aren’t always easy to spot, as her quiet approach to narrative is far from flashy. That quietness I think is what a lot of mainstream dramas today are missing, as she lets the performances and script speak for themselves. Shelton and cinematographer Nathan Miller capture the rustic town setting while also pulling off some impressively intimate camera work. Her eye for naturalism, whether that be in performances or story beats, is always greatly appreciated.

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The performances on display here easily rank among the year’s best. Edie Falco continues to be a fantastic and criminally-underrated actress, delivering one of her best performances here. Falco is typically seen with a more fiery personality, making it nice change of pace to see her in a more down to earth role. Jay Duplass delivers what is perhaps his most impressive performance yet here, showing an emotional rawness that has a real impact. Falco and Duplass together is where the real magic happens, with their lived-in chemistry being the engine that drives the film.

Outside In isn’t perfect, its at times more slight than it wants to be and does undercut some of its supporting players, but those are minor issues for what is a truly great film.

Outside In is now in theaters and available on VOD. 

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