Evil Behind You

It’s not very often “Christian” films step into the realm of honest-to-goodness horror. It’s a little ironic given the battle of good versus evil that runs throughout the Bible. But Evil Behind You is just that – a Christian horror.

The film jumps right into the action. The first present-day scene opens with two couples in a dungeon-like lab not knowing how they got there. The boys are handcuffed to hospital beds with bandages over their right ears. The ladies are confused and there’s two unconscious bodies on either end of the room. Where are they? What are they doing there? Who knows, but by jumping right into an interesting scenario, Carroll and Kerr are able to provide s hook for the viewer.

Between the mysterious locale, numerous flashbacks and unknown circumstances, there’s a feeling similar to that of TV’s Lost. Of course, it’s on a much smaller and less epic scale, but it raises more questions than there’s immediate answers for. In doing so, Carroll and Kerr are able to maintain interest when the less experienced actors and the low-budget appearance might have wrecked the film otherwise. In focusing on the strengths of the production, Evil Behind You is able to help hide some of its weaknesses.

There does come a point, though, where the questions start slowing down and there’s still few answers. By the film’s half-way point the pace has slowed down and little movement, either in the form of new questions or the occasional answer, is made. The characters begin repeating themselves and the entire movie starts to stall.

Evil Behind You does walk a fine line with its characterization of the terrorists. Of course, they’re Muslim extremists who believe their god is right and that’s the reason for their actions. It’s up to the White Christian man to see the right and point out their wrongdoings. Both caricatures present dangerous stereotypes as they don’t offer a new spin on either end.

There was the potential for Evil Behind You to be preachy to the point where it’s a turnoff. Sure, there’s definitely morals behind the story, but the script doesn’t hit you over the head with its message. Rather, it’s built into the action. It seems logical rather than forced.

Evil Behind You does often feel a little silly, but it’s overall not a bad film. It has its angle and Carroll and Kerr stick to their guns with it. Everyone likes a good scare – even Christians. Evil Behind You provides an alternative to the often very graphic and gratuitous horror films of Hollywood.