They Live in the Grey is an emotionally wrought haunted house film. Claire (Michelle Krusiec) is a social worker who has taken on what appears to a case involving an abusive father. Though the family provide reasonable explanations, Claire cannot help but sense there is something more. She soon begins to think there is a malevolent presence in the home and must risk her life to stop it from causing more harm.
Much as the title suggests, the film is a dreary affair. Grief and horror movies are no strangers, but They Live in the Grey can be downright depressing. Claire is despondent, apathetic, and filled with guilt. Each scene almost feels weighed down by her hopelessness. Credit to Krusiec for being able to play the part without making it seem silly.
They Live in the Grey never offers a reprieve from this constant sadness. What is already a heavy premise becomes even more difficult to endure. And this is before the horror aspects kick in. Even then, the jump scares and genre conventions are the only moments that the film allows audiences to step away misery.
These scenes are also few and far between. This is more of a character study than a conventional scary movie. When They Live in the Grey does rely on horror, it is more about emphasizing the emotion of the moment. There is little in the way of actual scares.
Ultimately, that seems to be the point of They Live in the Grey. While there are some chilling moments, the plot is more about understanding its characters than scaring them. The film does run long, but those looking for a quieter horror movie will enjoy it.
They Live in the Grey premieres on Shudder February 17
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