The Outside Story - A Movie Review

I got locked out of the house. What do I do now?

After finding the key, The Outside Story is a 2020 film. Charles Young is an introverted editor who likes spending his time indoors. One day that all changes when he locks himself out of his apartment. Charles must find a way back inside by confronting the world.

What do you automatically think when you are locked out? The Outside Story has not garnered enough attention. It’s a simple film, but it’s more than that. We should spend time out of our comfort zone to experience the world.

Charles prefers to stay inside over going out and socializing with others. Turns out, getting locked out of his apartment was the best thing. Since Brian Tyree Henry had most of the screen time, his performance was animated. He was hilarious in all of his reactions to the situation and the people he met.

There’s always something going on in the apartment building. Better yet, outside too. Charles meets eccentric people who either help him or give him more problems. The film had a good cast of actors.

I have now seen Sunita Mani in two other films. She was funny as a cop. Slater and Charles had unexpected chemistry. They gorged on many delicious snacks in the city.

I liked the friendship between Charles and Elena (Olivia Edward). You never know who you may befriend. Michael Cyril Creighton was relatable as the neighbor we’ve had at some point in our lives. There are quick roles like a passerby silently poking fun at Charles. The delivery guy was a fun small part. Always make any role memorable.

The one subplot that I would have changed is between Charles and Isha (Sonequa Martin-Green). Proving himself wrong that he shouldn’t spend his whole life indoors, Charles becomes aggressive and even a bit violent in the climax. That was out of character and didn’t give the film a proper conclusion.

There’s always something happening in the story. Dialogue keeps the story moving. Casimir Mozkowski did an excellent job with the script, keeping the film urgent. The situation felt real. Each situation and character interaction has a reason. Nothing is random. You never know what will transpire, like Charles wandering in on an awkward relationship scene.

The Outside Story has several locations throughout the film. Utilizing all the areas to their advantage, viewers are brought on several adventures during the movie. First, we’re introduced to Charles’s apartment which is a decent place, but you still feel confined.

Luckily, it’s a beautiful day outside. I can smell the fresh air. Charles walks to the park and downtown and climbs up to the rooftop - which was a tough scene to film due to the elevated height.

In one review, someone noted that not much happens... I disagree! A lot happens over the course of the story. We meet people, we travel to several locations, and it’s a funny story.

I want to know more about the making of this film. Released in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the film makes a good point. Getting out of the house to spend time in the world is a must.

As much as I like to stay inside, I have been going on more adventures since the pandemic ended. Going out is a way for people to connect. Good things come to those who wait. You never know, being locked out may have its perks.

The Outside Story is one underrated film so I highly recommend that you watch it on Hulu.