All of us are, to some degree, a product of how we are raised. Some of us can eventually break free from this reality and move forward from it, especially if there’s some sort of trauma involved. Others may never be able to completely escape from the results of our upbringing, no matter how horrific or wonderful it may have been.

The horrors of this are nothing new in storytelling, but typically make for an engrossing experience. Such is the case with Inhabitants , written and directed by Matt McClung.

Young couple Olivia (Anna Jacoby-Heron), and Francis (Josh Andres Rivera), have just moved into their new Los Angeles home, excited to take the next step in their relationship and decorate and make their house feel like their own. 

Right away, we are educated on a gaping chasm between them in the form of the differences in their beliefs. Francis was raised staunchly Catholic, but has since left the religion, while Olivia believes in the metaphysical, particularly in the benefits of rocks and crystals. This is explored while they’re unpacking, as they both come across Francis’ belongings that are composed of paintings, letters, and postcards from his ultra religious mother. On the other hand, Olivia’s extensive collection of rocks (which she believes hold healing and other beneficial powers) are an obvious and direct contrast.

Nevertheless, Francis and Olivia appear to be a sweet, well adjusted couple, excited to start a new life together in a new city. Their discussions revolve around looking ahead – such as new jobs and finding new friends – instead of backwards into their past. 

It doesn’t take long before strange happenings begin to occur in the home, though. Like many haunted house movies, they start as relatively odd, but benign, and easily explained away. As time goes on, they rapidly increase in intensity and concern, especially once Francis himself appears to be a victim.

As the tension ramps up, so does the push and pull between Olivia and Francis in regards to how to handle these developments, which circles back to their vastly differing beliefs. Desperate to find an answer to these attacks, they’re forced to not only rely on fractured familial relationships, but also to come to terms with whether the differences between them can be overcome. 

In many ways, the first half of Inhabitants is a formulaic, but gripping story of a haunted house. The pacing works incredibly well, allowing for a decent number of jump scares and spine tingling moments that are sure to keep you awake at night. The quiet, slow pacing makes for some decent, breathless moments that should always be at the core of any horror film.

The second half starts to slightly peter out, however, once the religious overtones and conflict between characters combine. While in theory this should make the movie feel more intense, it instead feels jumbled and distracted. 

The performances of Jacoby-Heron and Rivera make up for this in a number of ways. Their chemistry together is authentic and charming. They struggle both in everyday and deeper ways, just like any relationship. At the same time, they feel comfortable together and genuinely appear loving and considerate. This helps to make the audience root for them, both individually and as a couple. 

McClung manages to weave a riveting and terrifying story that finds a way to still feel original despite the commonplace setup. Inhabitants could have benefitted from more final editing, as it does feel plodding during the last half, which is typically a time in a film that should be the opposite. 

Despite this, the setup, performances, and overall production make this a memorable and intriguing entry into one of the most prominent settings in the annals of horror movies.