Synopsis
In this new drama from Lynn Shelton (Your Sister's Sister), an ex-con (Jay Duplass) struggling to readjust to life in his small town forms an intense bond with his former high-school teacher (Edie Falco).
In her films writer-director Lynn Shelton (Your Sister's Sister, TIFF 2011) places her characters in uncomfortable situations then follows them toward hard-won resolutions. Set in Shelton's native Pacific Northwest, Outside In stars Jay Duplass, Kaitlyn Dever, and Edie Falco as three characters at very different points in their lives, united by a desire to know what it means to truly be free.
After serving 20 years for a crime that spun far out of his control, 38-year-old Chris (Duplass) is granted an early release thanks in large part to the tireless advocacy of Carol (Falco), his former high-school teacher. As he struggles to adapt to the outside world, the digital age, and the challenges of finding employment as an ex-con, Chris confesses his romantic love for Carol — a love that, given her marital status, Carol cannot reciprocate. Or can she? Carol longs for something her husband no longer provides. Meanwhile, Carol's daughter Hilde (Dever) befriends Chris, finding in this awkward, tormented older guy a kindred spirit able to see her for who she believes she really is.
Shelton brings out the very best in her cast. Duplass movingly conveys dueling surges of frustration and hope; Dever, reunited with Shelton after Laggies (TIFF 2014), projects a maturity beyond her years; and Falco brings emotional intricacy to this amazing woman refusing to feel marooned in middle age.