Evil Behind You Movie Review

In 1952, a scientist named Dr. Jeremiah Powell (David Lee) penetrated the realm that has always separated humans and demons. Before revealing his secrets, he disappeared without a trace...

Cut to present day. Terrorists have stormed Powell's abandoned labs and think they've discovered biological weapons. They capture Debra (Gwendolynn Murphy), her husband, Tony (D.C. Lee), Lisa (Hilary Kennedy), and her boyfriend, David (Manuel Velazquez), for experimentation. The girls regain consciousness in an observation room at the laboratory and notice David and Tony and handcuffed to operating tables.

Nearby, two previous victims lie unconscious in beds. Realizing there is no escaping, the girls try to negotiate with those watching them. The terrorists explain they have poisoned the men and are awaiting results. Soon, however, they realize there are bigger problems than poison. Tony and David begin sensing evil spirits in the room, and with the passing time, the evil is becoming stronger...

The concept of demons evolving from spiritual warfare to physical warfare is startling for those with religious beliefs. Writer/co-director Jim Carroll creates an arena of action in a small, confined location. No doubt, it's refreshing to see a horror flick rely on character and dialogue rather than special effects and gore.

However, the film's pacing is too slack to sustain the close quarters. Given the circumstances, Evil Behind You should be chaotic and frenzied; the victim's should be interrupting each other's sentences in utter confusion. After all, they are completely unaware of their surroundings and are racing against the clock. That isn't the case here. It's one thing for the characters to organize themselves and attempt to escape, but it's another for the scenes to feel calculated and lacking tension and suspense.

The pacing affects the performances, as well. The actors do what they can with the material they have, but it's almost as if they pause at times for the others to deliver the next line of dialogue. In a character-driven film like this, perhaps improvisational freedom would have given the sequences more authenticity (and if this method was used, it doesn't show). As is, their material feels, at times, boring and contrived.

It's admirable when a filmmaker has enough courage and perseverance to portray faith in movies; Hollywood isn't particularly welcoming of conservative or religious views, and if Mel Gibson had major problems getting The Passion of the Christ made, then I have no doubt Carroll had his hands full with getting a green light for Evil Behind You.

To its credit, Evil Behind You does explore Christian values and ideas without preaching a wordy sermon. I'd be hesitant to call this a Christian thriller -- more of a thriller with Christian elements. The film doesn't pressure the audience, but still provokes thoughts to ponder long about after the credits roll. Evil Behind You will be heaven for the right audience... but hell for others.