"Evil Behind You" is a new psychological thriller due out in Feb. 2007. The filmmakers gave us an advance DVD copy to review and we've authorized them to use some quotes from our review in their marketing, if they so choose.

In the letter that we received with the DVD, it said this movie was originally marketed as a horror / thriller, but since there is no nudity, bad language or gore, the test audiences dubbed it as a "Christian Thriller" instead, which is the marketing moniker they're going with. However, at its roots, it's a true horror / thriller, albeit a clean one.

Two couples, enjoying nights out on the town, are abducted and find themselves waking up in some kind of observation room, with no clue as to how they go there. The women, Lisa Williams (Hilary Kennedy) and Debra Reynolds (Gwendolynn Murphy), who gain consciousness first, slowly recover from their anesthesia and come to their feet, looking around the room... not knowing what to expect. Debra's husband, Tony, (D.C. Lee) and Lisa's boyfriend, David, (Manuel Velazquez) are both still unconscious and handcuffed to operating tables, with no explanation as to why. Two additional men are unconscious and handcuffed to nearby beds as well. The women scream and plead for answers... but nobody answers them... and there's no way out.

Tony and David soon awake and begin recovering from their anesthesia as well.... while the women try to recall what happened prior to waking up here, how they plan to escape this situation and trying to figure out what has happened to Tony and David. Soon, they realize that something is wrong with the men... they are hearing sounds, sensing smells, and feeling touches of something that's not visibly there. Both swear there is something evil and malevolent in the room with them, but the women can't sense any of it, so they don't believe them.

The unwilling victims of a scientific experiment, the men's powers progressively become more fine-tuned and they must convince the women that something really IS in here with them... something far more powerful than flesh and blood... and if they escape soon, they might live, otherwise it's going to kill them all...

On to my review -- "Evil Behind You" is surprisingly good for a low-budget movie with no well-know actors or actresses. It starts off almost campy, with the acting and dialogue seeming to not really appreciate the seriousness of the character's situation, plus the low budget becomes immediately evident. However, after a short period of time, that feeling goes away and ever so gently, ever so subversively, you begin to get sucked deeper and deeper into the story, until you become totally engrossed and can't peel your eyes away from the screen. It's quite an amazing transformation and I almost couldn't believe that myself. I watched this with my wife and even she couldn't unglue herself from the TV, which is quite a feat. Normally, she can't sit still during a movie and will run off and do other things intermittently.

The content is very thought-provoking and really does make you wonder what's beyond the veil of what our human anatomy can normally see, hear, smell, taste and touch. In addition, the lead male and female roles were well cast and well acted, allowing the audience to empathize with their situation and their personal hardships, which were emphasized in flash-backs to their life prior to waking up in this room. Aside from the low budget and no-name cast, this movie is a triumph in movie-making and I hope people will give this film an honest chance. Kudos to the directors and cast on this movie and I'm looking forward to any future endeavors that you folks may have to offer as well.

All in all, I'd give this movie 4 STARS. Re-watch value: HIGH

A "Christian" Horror Movie?!
I sat down with my 15 year old son and watched "Evil Behind You". The movie seems to be geared towards late teens to 20 somethings. It would be a great movie to bring a non-Christian friend to as a conversation starter.

The movie brings to mind the "other world around us" that is always there, often influencing us in ways we are not aware. I was a little disappointed that a clearer salvation message wasn't presented, but like I said earlier, it has great potential to start someone off in questioning Spiritual matters, bringing opportunity to share ones faith after the film.

There is a very short reference to the word "boobs" talking about one of the main non-Christian characters influence by lust. Some Christians may be shocked by this, but it is very tame compared to what is presented today on network television.

There are redeeming character values in this movie, pro family values and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for others is expressed. I liked that the writers included a part where one of the characters was observed saying "exactly what they tell you to say" referring to demonic influence in our speech. Maybe next time we are tempted to speak evil, we will think first.

My son and I "jumped" during some surprising things that occur in the movie, so yes, it is a horror movie and yet has a strong Christian message.

You can tell this movie was on a limited budget, but the directer was able to accomplish both a well produced horror film as well as a message despite his financial limitations.

Youth group leaders, taking to mind the PG-13 rating, could bring older teens and twenty somethings to this film. The potential for this film to be a "conversation starter" for many aspects of the spiritual world around us, and it's influence on us, would be well worth the ticket price.

We need more films like "Evil Behind You", It is good to see someone is producing films about spiritual things that have some entertainment value instead of long dialogs and very little action as so many "Christian" films have a tendency to do. I'm going to give this film 5 stars. My son liked it, I liked it, and it has great potential to spread the Truth.
Definitely go to see it, definitely use it to spread the Gospel.
Ray (ReceivingRed)

Lisa Williams (Hilary Kennedy) and Debra Reynolds (Gwendolynn Murphy) were both enjoying evenings out when something goes very wrong. Neither girl can recall what has happened as they awaken, locked in a dark observation room.

Debra's husband, Tony, (D.C. Lee) and Lisa's boyfriend David (Manuel Velazquez) are both handcuffed to operating tables and there is no explanation. No one will respond to their calls for help and there is no way out of the room. Two previous victims lay unconscious in nearby beds.

The abducted couples are unwilling victims of a scientific experiment. As the guys recover from the anesthesia, the girls attempt to solve the puzzle. But something strange is happening to them. The men are changing. The women are racing against time to save their men, but the abductors are determined to use them as human guinea pigs with deadly ramifications.

Like Rob, I really thought this was a well thought-out movie. The story line was very easy to follow and the idea of being able to communicate with another realm... very creepy. The movie, which has been dubbed a Christian Thriller due to the content, does have a very real flavor along that line, however it does not derail the movie in any way. It is a purely an imaginative and engrossing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Being a low budget didn't deter from the plot or the acting and I was very impressed with Hilary Kennedy and Manuel Velazquez. It seemed like those two were a real couple and the chemistry was perfectly matched. I am excited to see were the creators head next and I am eagerly awaiting the development of two very wonderful actors. I sometimes really enjoy watching low budget movies because with limited money, you have to relate to the audience differently (look at The Blair Witch).

Overall Rating: 4 stars. Re-Watch Value: I will purchase it on DVD when it comes available

My neighbor and I just got together and watched the movie! The kids even joined in towards the middle because they saw all of the excitement!
We absolutely enjoyed it!
The Kids really dug the christian message it sent out - they clapped and cheered! I do believe you got rave reviews and thumbs up from this crowd!!
~Laura

Evil Behind You is one of the more creative thrillers to hit the Indy scene in quite some time. It's easy to make a thriller and make it overcomplicated with twists and turns to be overly cute. The hard part is trying to keep your audience for the entire duration of a film by being clever, but not too clever. You don't want to lose your audience by throwing too much at them and making your film overstuffed. It's a fine line to walk, but Evil Behind You walks that line successfully.

Evil Behind You is what I like to call a "passion project." Passion projects are usually hit-or-miss when it comes to how they come across on screen. A lot of times the film is near and dear to the director, but the audience ends up not sharing that same passion as the director. Evil Behind You is one of the rare cases when a passion project ends up being just as enjoyable for the audience as it was for the director to make it. It's able to blend Christian themes, horror themes, and thriller themes all in one to make a complete film.

Now, hear me out. You hear the words "Christian" and film and you probably think it's going to be filled with over-the-top symbolism and heavy handed messages throughout. Luckily, Jim Carroll and Jason Kerr leave all of that at the door and make a thriller that makes you question things without forcing you to. It's a thoughtful film, but it's done in a natural way. Carroll and Kerr are wise in simply letting the story tell itself without shoving anything down our throats.


The story is set in 1952 and follows Dr. Powell, who has penetrated a realm that had separated humans and demons since the beginning of time. He ends up disappearing out of the blue, but his research is stolen and tested on abductees. It ends up creating a gateway for demons to enter our world. The prisoners must find a way to escape the confinement they are currently in before it's too late.

Some of the acting in Evil Behind You leaves a lot to be desired. This is a rare case of a film that has a good enough story that you can ignore some of the mediocre acting. Everyone gives it their all, so you can't fault them for that, but they appear to be trying way too hard during certain parts of the film. I had to groan at some of the performances as people are yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs to get across certain emotions. This film might be an example of how less is more. You don't have to try so hard, just let it come out natural.

Evil Behind You is a smart, creative, and ingenious piece of film-making. It's a great first time effort by Carroll and Kerr. The biggest complement I can give them both is that they are smart filmmakers. They know how to tell a story, when to reveal certain information, and how to make a story unfold properly. Evil Behind You is a not a perfect film as it has issues with the acting and the pacing, but whose first film is perfect? Keep an eye out for this film as I think it might get some people talking.

What an amazing movie! I'm looking forward to the sequel.

I thought this movie rocked! Crossing over into a spiritual dimension. Great concept!

In 1952, a scientist named Dr. Jeremiah Powell (David Lee) penetrated the realm that has always separated humans and demons. Before revealing his secrets, he disappeared without a trace...

Cut to present day. Terrorists have stormed Powell's abandoned labs and think they've discovered biological weapons. They capture Debra (Gwendolynn Murphy), her husband, Tony (D.C. Lee), Lisa (Hilary Kennedy), and her boyfriend, David (Manuel Velazquez), for experimentation. The girls regain consciousness in an observation room at the laboratory and notice David and Tony and handcuffed to operating tables.

Nearby, two previous victims lie unconscious in beds. Realizing there is no escaping, the girls try to negotiate with those watching them. The terrorists explain they have poisoned the men and are awaiting results. Soon, however, they realize there are bigger problems than poison. Tony and David begin sensing evil spirits in the room, and with the passing time, the evil is becoming stronger...

The concept of demons evolving from spiritual warfare to physical warfare is startling for those with religious beliefs. Writer/co-director Jim Carroll creates an arena of action in a small, confined location. No doubt, it's refreshing to see a horror flick rely on character and dialogue rather than special effects and gore.

It's admirable when a filmmaker has enough courage and perseverance to portray faith in movies; Hollywood isn't particularly welcoming of conservative or religious views, and if Mel Gibson had major problems getting The Passion of the Christ made, then I have no doubt Carroll had his hands full with getting a green light for Evil Behind You.

To its credit, Evil Behind You does explore Christian values and ideas without preaching a wordy sermon. I'd be hesitant to call this a Christian thriller -- more of a thriller with Christian elements. The film doesn't pressure the audience, but still provokes thoughts to ponder long about after the credits roll. Evil Behind You will be heaven for the right audience... but hell for others.

"My husband and I watched the movie. We liked it. Like someone said in here already it would have made a bigger impact if we could see the demons from the beginning. My son at the age of 5 had to go in and out of the hospital for a rare thing that was going on with him. I thank the lord that he is now 20 and the Lord literally visited him in the hospital and healed him. However, I remember when my son would scream that they were in the room with him. Very similar to what was on the movie. He went on to say they were under his bed and all around. In addition he saw them walking the halls in the hospital. We brought in others to pray with us and all that ceased. He described them as almost looking like disfigured monkeys with red glowing eyes. He was only 5. I can not tell you how close it was to the movie. I ususally sense this kind of stuff and the angelic realm so it hit very close to home. It was great. On the other hand, it would be nice to add an angel or two in your next movie. I've seen them personally and they are awesome.

Great movie! Great message! If you don't know the Lord it's going to be scary!"

One of the best Christian Thrillers I've ever seen with a very clear message... It's not hidden as in many other movies, but presented right out front in everything. I thought the cinematography was amazing seeing as how it was plastered as "low budget". The flashback scenes were brilliantly thought out, there was never a moment when the suspense dropped. I am very excited to present this to my youth group as a completely clean, yet completely soul-searching thriller that will provoke them to take far more seriously their relationships with Christ and the way they live their live. My kudos to the director and creator - I would love to see many more things like this and pray that they will be able to be taken to the big screen. Overall absolutely wonderful!!! I was totally thrilled.

Evil Behind You is a well made movie with great effects. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm glad I watched this. The theme is darker than I expected from a Christian based film, but I think that just made it all that more believable.

I watched this movie just last night. The begining was a little slow. I wished we could have seen the demons right from the beginning. I think it would have made the movie more believeable. The message was very clear. I knew right from the start that the younger couple were good people and very likeable. Overall a pretty good movie even if it's a little tame as horrors go. I would rent this.

Keep in mind Christian say they want new ways to reach out to others, but then judge others when they do it. Keep going.

Thanks for letting me see the screener. I even jumped a couple of times during the movie! I really liked it!! I was right up my alley...
especially when you aren't in the mood for all the blood and gore - you get sick of all of the same ole stuff it gets old and leaves nothing for the imagination..

btw - did I tell you how much I LOVED your movie! ;-) on the way home this evening my youngest daughter (7) said to me "mommy this song reminds me of Evil Behind You - can we watch it again - I want to see the story from the beginning of how they got there.." See what an impact that movie had on my little one she just LOVED it as well...

My kids clapped when it was over. That doesn't happen very often. Keep fighting, your movie is great.

I was humbled to be afforded the opportunity to view this film.

"Christian" and "horror" initially come across as being something of an oxymoron; however, this film brings together these two words in a manner in which they compliment one another!

Through this film, we are given a glimpse of what might be taking place around us, unawares: Demons, clawing at us, influencing our thoughts and actions. How many times during the day do we notice these things, and merely dismiss them as being nothing? Could things truly be working in this manner? "Evil Behind You" will scare the hell into you!

I look forward to more offerings from Given the Boot Productions!

Being a Mom of one of the stars, I was anxious to see the movie. When I first started to watch not being a horror fan, I though oh this is silly/stupid. By the end of the movie I was so into it that I forgot my son was in it and it was such a very good film. I have a movie watching party plan so that we can show it to as many people we know. This may become a cult movie. I'll probably be watching this another 20-30 times more.

"Evil Behind You" is a heart pounding thriller that will have you glued to the edge of your seat. I thought that the story was very unique. It had a great Sci Fi thriller feel that made this indie film something different.

Which makes it one of my favorite things about this movie. I also really liked the fact that they weren't afraid to use terrorist in the plot. I think it added to the depth of the movie.

I think all of the actors did a great job adding chills and thrills to the movie. I also think that Jim Carroll did an outstanding job on his first film. I look forward to seeing more work from him in the future.

Check it out you wont be disappointed!

A thoroughly disturbing and thought-provoking horror movie. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

A chilling look at what lies beyond our comfortable reality - do demons exist? And how do they affect our world?
This film makes you believe, yet it also delivers a strong message that faith can conquer our fears.
A good first attempt by filmmakers that have a vision - one that does not include the cliche-ridden gimmicks of today's horror films.
Definately worth your time, but don't watch it alone or with the lights out!

This movie is like a breath of fresh air. No matter who you are you can relate to the personal situations in the charachters lives. This is more than just another "thriller" it deals with real issues. Find your peace.

I'm not a big fan of scary movies. But I like all Christian based films so, I thought why not watch one. Not only did I watch it with the lights on but, I really enjoyed it. It has made me be more aware of Satan and his demons. Although, I do wish more of the characters had survived and come to except Christ as their Savior after the whole thing. And I really wanted to see Lisa and David get married. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart that is why. I will recommend this film for my BSU to show one movie night.

Excellent movie! Being a film student myself, I can appreciate the great quality of the direction, acting, sound, visual effects.

It was a slow at times but I like the story line. It may be listed as a Sci-Fi but it has a good likeness to reality.

Watched it this weekend! The demons were very surreal, and it made you want them all to be saved before they came back.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to watch horror flicks, & to be honest I thought I'd give this a chance because the trailer had really beautiful people in it. I am so impressed by the quality of the film, lighting is great, set & locations are perfect, your actors are not only beautiful but can REALLY act (with the exception of Murphy), both doctors are incredible! The story is contrived perfectly. I followed your movie with "The Gathering" with Christina Ricci and they have the same theme without being fanatically religious about it. I am SO impressed with your film, CONGRATS on making something MEANINGFUL, WORTHWHILE, & WONDERFUL!!

The movie was great! A must see definitely!

"Evil Behind You" was an exciting thriller about demons and how God has power over them if you let Him. Hollywood has movies about good and evil but fall short of one this because they don't give God the credit He deserves. Its about time someone stood up for what they believe in and can give us entertainment with this Christian Thriller. Keep up the good work.

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.

The movie was riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed following the story and was shocked as it unfolded. This was not predictable. A great thriller without the terror that turns me off.

I am not one to watch this type of movie; however, since I know and respect the man who wrote it I decided to watch Evil Behind You. As I expected I was not disapponted. The movie kept me interested from the first scene until the last. I even hoped for more. I would highly recommend this movie to all - even those of you who would not typically watch this type of movie!!! It would be wonderful if more movies had a message that made you think and challenged the mind as Evil Behind You and done so well. I look forward to any future movie that Jim Carroll and his creative team
envision!!!