Megan Suri, the talented actress starring in the new film “It Lives Inside,” recently shared some behind-the-scenes details about her experience filming the horror flick. Suri, a self-proclaimed horror fan, was thrilled to be a part of the project, as she grew up watching and connecting with movies like “The Collector” and “Paranormal Activity.”
For Suri, horror movies have a unique ability to elicit emotions from the audience like no other genre. She loves the adrenaline rush and the feeling of fear that these movies provide. She particularly enjoys watching horror films in theaters, where she can be surrounded by the universal energy of the audience.
In “It Lives Inside,” Suri plays Sam, an Indian American high schooler who must confront a demonic spirit to save her friend. This role held special significance for Suri, as she had rarely seen someone who looked like her in horror movies before. She felt like manifesting this opportunity was a cosmic alignment, and she knew she had to be a part of it as soon as she met the writer and director, Bishal Dutta.
However, amidst all the excitement, there was one aspect of filming that stressed Suri out the most – screaming. Suri revealed that she had no prior experience or technique for screaming, which made it particularly challenging for her. The first time she ever screamed was on set, and it was an incredibly vulnerable and cathartic experience for her. On days when she knew she had to film screaming scenes, she felt an added pressure and apprehension.
Suri confessed that filming screaming scenes took a toll on her physically as well. By the end of each take, she would feel drained to the point of almost passing out. Towards the conclusion of the movie, however, Suri found herself less stressed as she got to do her own stunts and experience the action element of the film.
Apart from the horror elements, “It Lives Inside” also shines a spotlight on Indian food. Suri related to her character, Sam, because she, too, had been embarrassed by Indian food when she was younger. She recalled feeling self-conscious about taking Indian food to school due to the fear of smelling different or it looking unusual. However, as Suri grew older, she realized the joy that Indian food brought to people and the importance of embracing her culture unapologetically. She is proud to bring Indian American representation to the horror genre and is thrilled with how the film has resonated with audiences of all backgrounds.
It’s worth mentioning that Suri was able to share these insights with POPSUGAR due to Neon’s interim agreement with SAG-AFTRA, amid the ongoing actors’ strike. Suri emphasized the importance of solidarity during this time and expressed her understanding of the struggles faced by actors who aren’t A-listers or earning substantial amounts. She hopes for a speedy resolution to the strike so that everyone can get back to work.
“It Lives Inside” will hit theaters on September 22nd, and fans of horror films are eagerly awaiting its release. With Megan Suri’s passion for the genre and her dedication to bringing diverse representation to the screen, it’s bound to be a thrilling and impactful movie.
