Outside In Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer
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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

🍿 Outside In: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Chris’s Release and Initial Struggles

After serving 20 years in prison for a crime he maintains he didn’t commit, Chris, a man in his late 30s, is released thanks to the persistent efforts of his former high school teacher, Carol. He returns to his small hometown and immediately faces the challenges of adjusting to a world that has significantly changed during his incarceration. He grapples with technology, societal norms, and finding employment as an ex-con.

Outside In Scene 1

Developing Relationships

Chris forms an intense bond with Carol, who is now a married woman with a teenage daughter, Hildy. Their relationship becomes complicated as Chris develops romantic feelings for Carol, and Carol navigates her own unhappy marriage. Meanwhile, Chris also finds a connection with Hildy, who is also somewhat of an outsider. These relationships create tension and emotional complexities as Chris tries to establish a new life.

Outside In Scene 2

Facing the Past and Present

Chris confronts his strained relationship with his brother, Ted, who bears the guilt of Chris’s imprisonment. He also deals with the stigma of being an ex-convict in a small town where everyone knows his past. As Chris seeks to find his place and purpose, he tries various jobs and explores his relationships with Carol and Hildy, struggling to reconcile his past with his present.

Outside In Scene 3

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

🎬 Cast & Characters

  • Chris (Jay Duplass): A recently released ex-con struggles to adjust to life after 20 years in prison, forming an intense bond with his former teacher.
  • Carol (Edie Falco): Chris’s former high school teacher is an unhappily married woman who fought for his release and develops a complex relationship with him.
  • Hildy (Kaitlyn Dever): Carol’s teenage daughter is somewhat withdrawn and forms an unexpected friendship with Chris.
  • Ted (Ben Schwartz): Chris’s brother is guilt-ridden and struggles to reconnect after Chris served time for his crime.
  • Tom (Charles Leggett): Carol’s husband is emotionally distant and struggles to connect with his wife.

💬 Memorable Quotes

  • Chris: “People do not wanna hire a murderer for some reason.” – Chris says this with sarcasm and frustration when facing employment difficulties due to his criminal record, despite being innocent.
  • Carol: “I just want you to be happy.” – Carol says this to Chris expressing her deep concern for his well-being and her desire for him to find fulfillment after his release.
  • Hildy: “It’s weird, but I get it.” – Hildy says this to Chris about his feelings for Carol.

💰Box Office

  • Budget: N/A
  • Domestic Gross: $68,492
  • Worldwide Gross: $68,492

💥 Outside In Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn in by ‘Outside In’. It’s not a blockbuster, but it felt so real. I especially felt for Chris, trying to figure out life after being locked away. Edie Falco was amazing! The movie made me think about how hard it must be to start over, and how one person’s kindness can change everything. The last scene was powerful, the ending left me thinking about the characters and their choices.

  • Who would enjoy:
    • “Fans of independent dramas”
    • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
    • “Those who appreciate realistic and nuanced portrayals of complex relationships”
    • “People interested in films exploring themes of reintegration and social issues”
  • Content warnings ⚠:
    • “Mild language”
    • “Suggestive themes”
    • “Some mature content related to relationships”

Professional Reviews

  • Variety: “Lynn Shelton’s ‘Outside In’ offers a quietly devastating portrait of lives marked by regret and the struggle for connection. Falco delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the character’s internal conflict with subtle grace.
  • The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Outside In’ is a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of readjustment and forbidden desires. Duplass delivers a compelling performance as a man grappling with a lost past and an uncertain future. The film is filled with many situations, some humorous, some sad, where Chris needs to adjust to current technology, culture and history that are a result of being away and in prison for 20 years.
  • IndieWire: “Lynn Shelton’s ‘Outside In’ navigates the delicate emotional landscape of a man re-entering society after a long incarceration. The film excels in its understated performances and realistic portrayal of small-town life, but feels like the viewer is being swept along in what, at the end of the movie, seems to have been a very real and believable representation of a true life story.

Audience Reactions

Edie Falco’s performance was a standout, bringing depth and emotion to her character.: Viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of small-town life and its characters’ struggles.

The film’s ending sparked conversation and reflection on the characters’ choices.: Many viewers found the film to be a touching and thought-provoking exploration of human connection.

Overall Consensus: Outside In is a well-acted, character-driven drama that explores themes of readjustment, connection, and forbidden desires in a realistic and thought-provoking manner.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

  • “The film was directed by Lynn Shelton, known for her naturalistic and character-driven indie films.”
  • “The script was co-written by Lynn Shelton and Jay Duplass, who also stars in the lead role. This collaborative approach allowed for improvisation and a realistic feel.”
  • “Filming took place in Granite Falls, Washington, lending authenticity to the small-town setting.”
  • “The movie explores themes of incarceration, readjustment to society, and unconventional relationships with sensitivity and nuance.”
  • “Outside In premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 before its theatrical release in 2018.”

🖥️ How to Watch Outside In?

Outside In is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you may rent or purchase the film. Check your local listings for availability as offerings may vary by region and provider. Some services may also offer the option to buy a digital copy for permanent access.

Outside In Scene 5

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Outside In, you might like these similar films:

  • Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with grief, isolation, and the struggle to rebuild a life after tragedy.
  • Rectify (2013-2016): Television series about a man released from prison after years on death row, exploring his readjustment to life and relationships.
  • You Can Count on Me (2000): Focuses on sibling relationships and navigating life’s challenges in a small town.
  • Short Term 12 (2013): Explores complex relationships and emotional healing in a residential treatment facility.

🛒 Outside In Related Products

  • Outside In [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of ‘Outside In’ on Blu-ray. This edition includes bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, offering a deeper look into the film’s creation.
  • Granite Falls, WA Postcard Set: A set of scenic postcards featuring Granite Falls, Washington, the filming location of ‘Outside In.’ These postcards capture the beauty and atmosphere of the small town setting, allowing fans to own a piece of the movie’s world.
  • The Duplass Brothers Collection [Digital Content]: A digital collection featuring other films and TV shows created by the Duplass Brothers, including ‘The Puffy Chair,’ ‘Cyrus,’ and ‘Togetherness.’ This collection offers a comprehensive look at their unique style of filmmaking.
  • Indie Film Lover’s T-shirt: A stylish t-shirt with a design that celebrates independent films. This comfortable and fashionable t-shirt is perfect for movie enthusiasts who enjoy supporting independent cinema and showcasing their passion.

🎧 Soundtrack

Outside In features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Where can I watch Outside In?

Outside In is available on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings as availability may vary by region and provider.

What is Outside In about?

Outside In is a drama about an ex-con who struggles to adjust to life after being released from prison after 20 years. He forms an intense bond with his former high school teacher, leading to complicated relationships and emotional challenges.

Is Outside In based on a true story?

Outside In is a fictional story, but it explores realistic themes of reintegration, relationships, and the challenges faced by individuals after incarceration.

🔥 Bonus Content

Three Billboards: The Problem with Anger | Video Essay

Ever wonder what ‘Three Billboards’ is *really* trying to say? This video breaks down the film’s complex exploration of anger and compassion. Honestly, it made me see the ending in a whole new light!

How (Not) to Discuss Racism in Film – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri | Renegade Cut

Okay, let’s be real – ‘Three Billboards’ definitely stirred up some controversy about its portrayal of race. This video dives deep into that discussion, and it’s super thought-provoking, even if you loved the movie!

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