The Evil Within (2017 film)

Lore & Background

The Evil Within was inspired by the childhood nightmares of Andrew Getty. According to post-production producer Ryan Readenour, Getty had powerful, sick dreams as a child that he did not think came from him. Getty conceived the idea that a storyteller could create these dreams, leading to the original title The Storyteller. He was also inspired by the David Berkowitz Son of Sam killings, in which Berkowitz claimed a demon in the form of a talking dog ordered him to kill. Getty wondered what if a demon really gave orders to a serial killer.

Filming began in 2002, largely in Getty's own mansion in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. He converted a room into a post-production suite, built expensive sets, and created elaborate animatronic robots including an octopus that could play a drum kit. The production was beset with funding issues and conflicts with the cast, including a lawsuit from a studio assistant. Only actors Frederick Koehler and Michael Berryman remained through all changes. Matthew McGrory appears in an uncredited cameo from unused footage shot before his death in 2005, though this is not his final film role; his final film appearance was in 'The Devil's Rejects' (2005). Getty continued working on the film for years after filming, creating his own special effects, but died in 2015 before coloring and editing were completed. Producer Michael Luceri finished the film.

Reader's Guide

The Evil Within premiered at the Fantasporto Film Festival on February 26, 2017, and later screened at the Dead by Dawn Horror Film Festival and Mórbido Film Festival. It was acquired by Vision Films and released on Video on Demand on April 4, 2017. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized its unevenness and dialogue while commending its strangeness and Getty's devotion. On Rotten Tomatoes, it received a 100% approval rating based on 6 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. Critics noted that despite flaws, the movie succeeds in more ways than not. David Fontana of Film Inquiry praised its surreal visuals and special effects, while Charles Bramesco of The Guardian called it the handiwork of a rank amateur under the influence of powerful narcotics but respected Getty's monomaniacal drive. The film stands as a singularly strange work, reflecting Getty's obsessive personal vision and the troubled production that spanned fifteen years.

Did You Know?

• The film was originally titled The Storyteller.
• Andrew Getty largely self-financed the film at an estimated cost of $4–6 million.
• Filming took place largely in Getty's own mansion in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
• Matthew McGrory appears in an uncredited cameo from unused footage shot before his death in 2005, but this is not his final film role; his final film appearance was in 'The Devil's Rejects' (2005).