When it comes to horror films, few are as wonderfully bizarre and unhinged as The Evil Within, the 2017 fever dream written and directed by Andrew Getty. On our latest episode of the Messed Up Movies Podcast, we had the distinct pleasure of being dragged through this cinematic acid trip by our guest Nathan Dalton. It’s as much of a mess as it is a masterpiece—and we mean that in the most affectionate way possible.

A Decade-Long Production Journey
As Nathan shared, The Evil Within isn’t just a movie; it’s a cautionary tale for filmmakers. Andrew Getty, the scion of the Getty oil dynasty, spent over 15 years working on this project. Production began in 2001 and wasn’t completed until two years after Getty’s untimely death in 2015. Getty’s obsessive perfectionism, coupled with struggles with substance abuse, turned this $6 million production into a lifelong endeavor. The film was shot almost entirely in Getty’s mansion, with sets like Frederick Koehler’s character Dennis’s bedroom and the climactic animatronic-filled sequence doubling as parts of Getty’s home. This deeply personal investment is evident in every frame, for better or worse.
The Plot: A Dark and Twisted Journey
The film tells the story of Dennis (Frederick Koehler), a mentally challenged man manipulated by a demonic entity living within a mirror. This malevolent force, voiced and personified by horror legend Michael Berryman, coerces Dennis into committing heinous acts, all under the guise of reclaiming his intelligence and self-worth. The plot lurches between surreal dream sequences, grotesque violence, and moments of unintentional comedy that will leave you wondering, “Wait, was that supposed to be funny?”
Highlights from the Episode
Nathan’s take on the film was equal parts insightful and hilarious. We dissected the film’s cursed production history, its surreal imagery, and its wild-ass finale. (Who wants to see a puppet show?) We also couldn’t stop talking about Koehler’s performance, which teeters between Oscar-worthy and “what the hell were they thinking?” As he switches from intellectual monologues to childlike babbling, it’s clear the actor committed to the role with an intensity that makes the movie both captivating and uncomfortable.
And then there’s the standout “kid in the freezer” scene—a moment so dark and depraved that it single-handedly elevates the film from “mildly disturbing” to “did I just accidentally summon a demon by watching this?”
The Film’s Legacy: A Beautiful, Messed-Up Nightmare
The Evil Within isn’t just a movie; it’s a twisted time capsule of what happens when artistic obsession meets unlimited resources and zero oversight. Getty’s vision was undeniably unique, if not entirely coherent. The film’s practical effects and surreal set pieces are often brilliant, but the overall execution is as uneven as a three-legged table. Still, you can’t help but admire the sheer audacity of it all.
Nathan’s insider knowledge added a delightful layer to our conversation. His connection to the film’s editor gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Getty’s world, where perfectionism ran rampant and meth-fueled rewrites were just another Tuesday.
Wrapping Up
If you haven’t seen The Evil Within, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s the kind of movie that makes you laugh, cringe, and question your life choices—all within a single scene. A big shoutout to Nathan Dalton for bringing this cinematic fever dream to our attention. You can find more of Nathan’s work, including his upcoming projects, in the show notes.
We’ll be back on Filmmaker Friday with another episode of Messed Up Movies. Until then, happy watching—and stay away from mirrors!
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