Inside is a 2024 Australian prison drama film from writer/director Charles Williams and starring Guy Pearce. The film was theatrically released in Australian cinemas on 27 February 2025 and in the US on 20 June 2025.
After being transferred from juvenile to adult prison, Mel Blight is taken under the wing of both Mark Shepard, Australia’s most despised criminal, and Warren Murfett, a soon to be paroled inmate.[2]
The film was directed by Charles Williams, who also wrote the screenplay. Inside is his feature film debut. Williams was awarded the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival his short film All These Creatures[3].
In order to achieve a high degree of authenticity in his film, Williams researched for years in prisons throughout Australia, but above all in his native Victoria.
Guy Pearce was confirmed as leading the cast in September 2023.[7] Later in December, Cosmo Jarvis and Vincent Miller were confirmed to join the cast.[8]
Filming
Principal photography took place in Melbourne, Victoria in 2023,[9] and wrapped on December 19, 2023.[10] Parts of the film were shot on location at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre and the newly constructed Western Plains Correctional Centre.[11]
Reception
Reviews
The film currently has a 100% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics particularly praised the script, direction and performances, citing it as Guy Pearce's "finest work"[12], Cosmo Jarvis' turn "Oscar-worthy"[13], Vincent Miller's performance "a revelation."[14] and that Williams "makes his way into the pantheon of great Australian directors."[15]
David Erlich at Indiewire gave the film his critic's pick, writing "Williams’ debut is so replete with such moments of raw compassion that it almost invisibly accumulates a deep well of emotion."[16] While Emma Vine at Loud and Clear reviews proclaimed the film as "One of the best of the year."[17]
It was theatrically released in Australia on 27 February 2025.[20]
Inside had its North American premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on 7 June,[21] followed by a US theatrical release on 20 June.[22]
The film was released on Netflix in Australia on 1 September 2025.[23]
Reception
As of September 2025[update]Inside has a score of 97% based on 30 critics' reviews. [24]
It was widely praised by critics. Luke Buckmaster gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, writing in The Guardian, "Inside is very good from the start, but excels in its second hour, as the blood of the drama really starts flowing".[20] David Rooney, writing in The Hollywood Reporter, praised Andrew Commis’ cinematography and Chiara Costanza’s score as well as the performances.[25]
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