They Live in the Grey Review

3 star relentlessly dark haunted house story.

They Live in the Grey is a 2022 independent psychological horror film written and directed by Abel and Burlee Vang (Bedeviled).

It is a Shudder original film available to own on DVD from 26th September 2022 courtesy of Acorn Media International.

“I’m always afraid, so I sleep in the closet.”

Claire (Michelle Krusiec – The Bone Box, 20 Weeks) is a deeply troubled young woman. Working as a social worker she is also, unbeknownst to her employers, a closet clairvoyant. She is constantly subjected to visions of tormented spirits which leave her terrified and hiding away in her own home.

She is also struggling with the death of her own son Lucas and is estranged from policeman husband Peter (Ken Kirby – Straight Up, A Spy Movie) as the two of them work separately through their grief.

Still working, she is tasked with investigating allegations of child abuse. Her school has reported that Sophie (Madelyn Grace – Don’t Breathe 2) keeps coming in covered with bruises. She insists they are skateboarding accidents, but Claire is sent to investigate her parents Audrey (Ellen Wroe – Animal Kingdom, Only Mine) and Giles (J.R. Cacia – Infidel, Argo).

Almost as soon as she gets to the house, her gift allows her to understand what’s really going on here, there is a malevolent spirit in the house. She sees the Ghost (Mercedes Manning – Other Halves, Zipper) and immediately realises she is responsible for Sophie’s injuries, but how can she persuade Child Protective Services that the parents are not responsible?

“I don’t know how to explain it without sounding crazy. I see things that people aren’t supposed to see.”

They Live in the Grey is certainly a very powerful film, carrying a strong message about motherhood, grief and loss. Claire’s journey, dealing with her own grief and also that of others strikes a chord and is a very interesting watch. Her interactions with the entities she encounters make for some pretty gory and bloody scenes. Likewise, the story of Sophie and her family is compelling and unsettling and full of potential.

Unfortunately, the two halves of the film feel very disconnected and the attempted interweaving of the stories ends up detracting from both. Perhaps some more rigorous editing may have helped, it didn’t need to be over two hours long.

The acting is quite good, however there are occasions when people just get a bit carried away with the anguished close ups.

All in all though, this is a thought provoking film, not going for the jump scares but rather empathy for the pain of the characters.

The end result is all rather depressing, but that’s fine as long as you are aware and in the mood for it and the twist is absolutely worth the wait. A good idea and one to add to your collection.

“You have to go. You have to go. You have to leave Sophie alone.”

They Live in the Grey is available on DVD from 26th September 2022.