When posed with the classic hypothetical of what one would save in a house fire, Willem Dafoe’s character Nemo’s answer speaks volumes about the man he is. “Inside” takes us on a cinematic journey of intrigue and entrapment, but fails to reach its full potential.

The concept of the film was promising: an art thief finds himself ensnared in a New York penthouse while attempting to pilfer priceless paintings. As we delve deeper into the tale, we bear witness to the toll it takes on him, both mentally and physically. Willem Dafoe’s portrayal is enthralling, but the film leaves much to be explored regarding its initial premise.

The protagonist’s name, Nemo, meaning “no one” in Latin, serves as a teaser for what “Inside” truly is – a reflection on the human psyche and the artistic process. We are offered a glimpse into Nemo’s battle for survival and the poignant beauty emerging from his agony. However, as the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that the film lacks a compelling approach to its thematic material.

The depiction of Nemo’s anguish in the film is intense, with nerve-wracking close-ups and anxiety-inducing sound design. While Nemo’s quest to break free from his confinement is gripping, certain scenes feel superfluous and contribute little to the overall story. The end result is a movie that, despite its technical excellence and stellar lead performance, fails to fully engage its audience.

“Inside” had its debut at the Berlin Film Festival and is scheduled for a UK theatrical release in March. While the film’s promise is clear, it ultimately gets lost in its own cleverness, leaving much to be desired.

In summation, “Inside” presents an alluring premise and an exceptional performance from Willem Dafoe, but its actualization falls short of expectations. As we await its release, we can only hope that it will still manage to captivate audiences despite its flaws.

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