I was skeptical at first. Prepared to be entertained with a film that "was about him." After about 30 minutes, I thought "This film isn't about him, it's about them." It hit me hard when I realized, that ultimately, it was about me...and you. Beautifully shot and expertly crafted, Mr. Renner invites you on a difficult journey of his own self-discovery, introduces you to sympathetic "real" people who are genuine and disarming with their vulnerability as they share their own stories of trauma, all while real professionals provide context for the experience. By the end, the viewer is left with questions about their own journey, but with tangible solutions they can take with them should they choose to begin their own quest for healing. As a lifelong educator, I fully endorse this beautiful film and urge those who work with broken people to add it to their tool kit.
31 Reviews
Unexpected
timoyler26 November 2020
Sometimes the artist doesn't know what the picture will be until the final stroke of their brush. Similarly, this film will take you on a journey to what looks like a predictable end, but instead, the director's stunningly visual sleight of hand redirects the trip into unexpected, beautiful depths. Whether you are a victim of trauma or not, you need to see this film, because someone in your life needs you to watch. For the traumas in the past, for the traumas we may be experiencing now, and for the traumas yet to come, we need this to learn how to love our neighbors and ourselves. I will watch again, and encourage my friends, family and strangers to do the same.
Amazingly powerful
theceneidert26 November 2020
What Lies Inside is a beautifully shot documentary that opened my eyes to the trauma so many are living with. It unexpectedly triggered emotions in me that I hadn't felt in years and helped push me to take that first step to healing. What Lies Inside has a powerful message that - given the state of our world - needs to be seen. A truly informational documentary with some amazingly powerful voices!
Powerful, One of a Kind
erakers26 November 2020
What Lies Inside is one of those productions which for a while after you've been lucky enough to watch it- you're speechless. Whether it has upset you, inspired you, educated you - or all three, it's impossible not to deeply reflect on what you've just seen. This documentary truly is one of a kind!
A Timely Call For Understanding
jamiearpinricci27 November 2020
"What Lies Inside" is an incredibly personal, artful, and deeply helpful exploration of trauma. As someone who lives with trauma myself (and works with a community of highly traumatized minorities), I am deeply grateful for this film. While it shouldn't be viewed lightly, it should be watched widely.
Lots of good information!
rennerstephanie25 November 2020
Watching this movie gave me a different perspective into what people with trauma go through. It's raw and vulnerable and real. The movie gives tangible ways to help you walk through your trauma journey. Very enlightening!
Attention Educators!
ronhanson-9323727 November 2020
As a teacher in an urban school district where almost every child has been subjected to trauma in some form, I am thrilled to see this taboo issue explored with such intimate integrity. Director Luke Renner blends emotion, personal struggle and science perfectly to tell a human story, that until now, we have been afraid to face. Every educator who believes in being "Trauma Informed" should make this film a part of their professional development and SEL teaching.
One of the most important films of 2020.
alexanderamick27 November 2020
With as traumatizing as this year has been, it's important for us all to recognize our collective traumas and mental anguishes. This film is able to remarkably take you through the inner workings of our own mind from someone who underwent a journey of their own throughout. It is remarkable to see the audience character also be the narrator and as Luke goes through his own journey, we do as well.
Beautiful.
brice-4027025 November 2020
What a stunning piece of film art with an incredibly important message. Thank you for making this film. I am a marriage and family therapy student at a seminary and plan to share this with my professors and student colleagues. It's so beautifully done, the cinematography is absolutely stunning, and it is relevant to not only my studies, but to the current climate of our world. Outstanding work, crew!
Insightful, Inspiring, Educational
ellenbyrum26 November 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect when I viewed this documentary. What I realized after watching it was that there are so many people walking around dealing with trauma of some kind, and some who don't even realize it themselves. It was beautifully explored and written and will lend itself well to helping those in need of discovering and healing from their own traumas.
Eye-opening
jenniferneise14 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary opened my eyes to many different types of trauma that occur in the human experience. The stories will touch the heart of the viewer and I can't think of a better time to watch something that would make one more empathetic to the lives of others.
I found the film to be esthetically pleasing and especially appreciated hearing from the amazingly courageous Eva Kor. This film will make you think about your own life experiences and bring compassion to others by hearing their stories.
Excellent narrative documentary on trauma. A must-see for psychoeducation!
emdavis-147-1951995 December 2020
This film is life changing, very educational and beautifully filmed. Even if you think you know about trauma, it's worth watching for a deeper, more personal, more complex view of how trauma impacts us each uniquely, and powerfully.
As a licensed psychologist and professor of graduate counseling, I will be recommending this documentary to the future therapists I work with, and to clients who struggle with putting together the puzzle of their pasts. Trauma is not stored in our brains like other pleasant or boring events, it is often stored in the body. Knowing this helps immensely with the healing process.
Be sure you keep watching all the way through the movie, even if you struggle to relate at the beginning with the first individual story; the message expands as it progresses, and I encourage you to take the entire journey...the end is worth it!
The variety of trauma experts and survivors interviewed in this film enrich and heighten the experience. You'll have an understanding of trauma usually reserved for experts in the field, because you'll be exposed to so many of them, with helpful narrative examples to understand more difficult concepts.
Enjoy the film. For many of us, What Lies Inside is asking to be seen, understood, digested and processed as a part of our unique life histories. It's well worth the time.
As a licensed psychologist and professor of graduate counseling, I will be recommending this documentary to the future therapists I work with, and to clients who struggle with putting together the puzzle of their pasts. Trauma is not stored in our brains like other pleasant or boring events, it is often stored in the body. Knowing this helps immensely with the healing process.
Be sure you keep watching all the way through the movie, even if you struggle to relate at the beginning with the first individual story; the message expands as it progresses, and I encourage you to take the entire journey...the end is worth it!
The variety of trauma experts and survivors interviewed in this film enrich and heighten the experience. You'll have an understanding of trauma usually reserved for experts in the field, because you'll be exposed to so many of them, with helpful narrative examples to understand more difficult concepts.
Enjoy the film. For many of us, What Lies Inside is asking to be seen, understood, digested and processed as a part of our unique life histories. It's well worth the time.
The Absence of Grey
ericktownsend3 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There are so many people who will tell you that the world is NOT Black and White, however there are more days than not, that we all seem only to remember the darkness or the light. I LOVE and HATE this film! The oblivious privileged viewer will find roughly 10mins in, that they did NOT sign up to look inward and expose what Untruth or Wound is present and unaccounted for, while healing virtue ever so intentionally is slathered from the screen. The journey of the marginalized viewer is a bit more patient. As history would have it and the present perpetuates; this fresh perspective delivers an "all things to all people" while not being pulpity nor exclusionary. How I wanted to shut it off as it dug into a well I didn't know still existed but couldn't because I resonated with the journey so much. I loved how it wasn't overtly including matters of race and culture but it certainly didn't excuse or exclude them. Trauma isn't exclusive. I hate this film because I wanted what the "cast" was being afforded. I wanted it for my Bride and Daughter. As I watched, I DESPERATELY wanted the cathartic process for my Father and Mother and extended family. The cinematography and story telling is absolutely stunning and worth every minute, as to not distract you from the message. Spread the word. This is worth watching.
A candid and soulful look at trauma
kharless-5134415 December 2020
This film artfully explains the ways trauma can be seen in our lives, and how it isn't always clear where it originated. I appreciated the writer's candor, and the way he tells the story of discovery for himself. If you have ever wondered why you seek approval from others more than trusting in yourself, this movie can provide insights that open the door to continue your own journey of understanding.
Thought provoking and powerful
kurtlad4 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary has helped me to understand a facet of trauma that I had not thought of before. Things that stay hidden inside our subconscious, what our mind tries to protect us from. Seeing Luke in a situation where he shared his trauma with us all helped me to understand how different it may be for everyone.
It's helped me to reflect on what trauma I've endured as I've grown up around the world. The hardship, pain and suffering that I've suppressed and how I will have to deal with my healing.
Thank you for the powerful insight into your life and showing us how trauma affects different people.
It's helped me to reflect on what trauma I've endured as I've grown up around the world. The hardship, pain and suffering that I've suppressed and how I will have to deal with my healing.
Thank you for the powerful insight into your life and showing us how trauma affects different people.
Unbelievably accurate - to the heart
robwhitepa7 December 2020
As a retired Army Flight Surgeon with 4 conflict deployments this documentary spoke directly to the parts of me that I have felt so misunderstood. This documentary allowed me to realize that I wasn't alone and in my internal struggles, and that trauma is so diverse and impacts so many levels of humanity. Bravo to director and producers of this truly timely documentary. This is truly one of the most misunderstood issue of our current culture.
Emotional. Full of hope.
paulvieiramedia18 December 2020
This captivating film held my attention from the very first frame. It's beautifully written, shot, directed and edited. Several times I was moved to tears and I remember every single one of those moments. This film stays with you. It causes you to examine your own life and makes you want to live more fully, to heal completely and to love everyone you meet. We belong here, in this world, in this life. We are the agents of compassion, healing and justice. This film has an important message that everyone should hear. Everyone deserves healing. Thank you Luke.
What Lies Inside Can't Stay Inside
batyayaniger6 January 2021
What Lies Inside is an expertly written film about trauma. The main message that I got from it is how what lies inside can't stay inside. We radiate who we are from our innermost being. This becomes the way we interact with the world. The interviews with professionals in the field and with people who have experienced trauma gave a penetrating picture of what happens with trauma. It will be helpful for anyone who wants to understand better and helpful to those who suffer to know that they are not alone. It holds out hope, because it reminds us as well of our strengths and capacity for resilience.
Excellent film with important message
aledalaw22 December 2020
First of all this film is visually stunning. Very well crafted. I believe everyone will walk away from this film with a new understanding of their past behavior. Love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness are the hallmarks of this movie. I believe just about everyone has experienced some form of trauma during their life. This film does a great job explaining what trauma is and the various levels and ways we experience it individually.
What Lies Inside
ConductorPat24 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent participatory/expository documentary. The crew work together to blend elements of personal stories, such as Director Renner's childhood, along with interviews of people living with trauma and professionals to tell a powerful story.
"What Lies Inside" digs into the idea of generational trauma that is passed down, due to people lacking resources to know how to deal with trauma. Renner and his team handle the topics respectfully, and provide an understanding, which we all need right now.
"What Lies Inside" digs into the idea of generational trauma that is passed down, due to people lacking resources to know how to deal with trauma. Renner and his team handle the topics respectfully, and provide an understanding, which we all need right now.
This Is Powerful
bryndonpreston13 January 2021
What Lies Inside Review for IMDB
I heard about this movie from a friend, and I got a chance to see an early screening of it. I'll be honest, and I hadn't given trauma much thought. We all have hard things in life, and I was raised to deal with my feelings, be honest with myself, and move on with life.
I was unprepared for the journey this movie would take me on as the presenter Luke, shares his story. As the film unfolds, and I learned more about how trauma impacts all of our lives, memories started to surface.
I became aware of issues from my past that trauma had caused and that was affecting me now. I realized that there was more to my journey than I had thought. I also felt like I had the chance to see issues in my life and filter them through the awareness of trauma and the impact it has had on my life.
I study martial arts, and my instructor loves to give us lists. I once asked him why, and he told me that a list helps us become aware of the components needed to learn a technique. A list also gives us a way to evaluate which parts we know and are competent in performing and which parts we still need to be proficient. If I didn't have the list, I wouldn't know what was required. I wouldn't have the ability to self-evaluate where I was on my journey to proficiency.
That's the way this movie felt for me. This movie gave me a list, it helped me become more self-aware, and I believe it improved my life. I will be a better person because I am now more aware of the pieces of the puzzle that make up my life.
The movie is filmed well, and the audio and narration are excellent. While the subject matter is serious, the movie is presented well and kept my attention. I watched it all in one sitting, but I feel like this is a movie I will want to own. I believe that I will benefit from going back and watching this again.
When you get a chance, check out What Lies Inside, come in with an open mind, and be prepared to learn about trauma and about its impact on all of our lives. Be ready to be changed, but in a good way. I'm grateful for the time and effort a movie like this must have required, and I'm grateful for the lives that it will impact.
I heard about this movie from a friend, and I got a chance to see an early screening of it. I'll be honest, and I hadn't given trauma much thought. We all have hard things in life, and I was raised to deal with my feelings, be honest with myself, and move on with life.
I was unprepared for the journey this movie would take me on as the presenter Luke, shares his story. As the film unfolds, and I learned more about how trauma impacts all of our lives, memories started to surface.
I became aware of issues from my past that trauma had caused and that was affecting me now. I realized that there was more to my journey than I had thought. I also felt like I had the chance to see issues in my life and filter them through the awareness of trauma and the impact it has had on my life.
I study martial arts, and my instructor loves to give us lists. I once asked him why, and he told me that a list helps us become aware of the components needed to learn a technique. A list also gives us a way to evaluate which parts we know and are competent in performing and which parts we still need to be proficient. If I didn't have the list, I wouldn't know what was required. I wouldn't have the ability to self-evaluate where I was on my journey to proficiency.
That's the way this movie felt for me. This movie gave me a list, it helped me become more self-aware, and I believe it improved my life. I will be a better person because I am now more aware of the pieces of the puzzle that make up my life.
The movie is filmed well, and the audio and narration are excellent. While the subject matter is serious, the movie is presented well and kept my attention. I watched it all in one sitting, but I feel like this is a movie I will want to own. I believe that I will benefit from going back and watching this again.
When you get a chance, check out What Lies Inside, come in with an open mind, and be prepared to learn about trauma and about its impact on all of our lives. Be ready to be changed, but in a good way. I'm grateful for the time and effort a movie like this must have required, and I'm grateful for the lives that it will impact.
Powerful!
john-223669 December 2020
My wife and I found What Lies Inside to be amazingly powerful. The story, the authenticity of the experts and people interviewed who have suffered, the cinematography and music...it carried us. We were touched deeply and found ourselves reflecting on our relationships with our children and other loved ones. I highly recommend this film. Our organization, Haiti Partners sponsored having subtitles in French so that it can be available to a larger audience. We look forward to when it will also be in Haitian-Creole. Trauma has a grip on so many of us. This film has the power to help people discover a path to healing.
Oddly Comforting
Spikes4426 March 2021
Going into this film I didn't have many expectations, but coming out of I feel a sense of comfort, that I'm not alone in my experiences. This film changed the way I viewed my past and showed me that what I went through is still valid. Even though I thought I was fully healed from the trauma I experienced this film helped bring me even more closure to my past. This film is a must see as it can help heal your past.
Impactful Film
lcroasdell24 December 2020
Like many other Midwest communities, our small rural community has been impacted by individual and collective trauma due to many factors, including generational substance use and poverty, and Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs. This film struck a chord with me, because I could so easily relate to the people and situations explored in the film. This will be a film that we want to show in a community setting as it will help to start conversations about trauma. I am excited about how this film will help open doors to take more Trauma-Informed Care Training into our community and especially to individuals who work with people who have experienced trauma and ACEs. Bravo on addressing a very difficult subject!
Trauma Informed Care
corth-210271 October 2021
If you are seeking to understand your personal trauma or increase your own awareness to how trauma impacts us all, this film is a great resource.
Luke's personal transparency draws you in to the exploration of personal trauma. Paired with other persons willing to share their stories and professional voices, one cannot help but become better acquainted with the impact trauma and traumatic events have on people.
If you are involved in any type of work that provides care of persons, this is a most see and encounter. Not only for the potential of personal discovery, but also to create better awareness and equipping.
I viewed on my own, I would really enjoy and recommend viewing with a group, especially one that would create the space for dialogue. Likely taking place over a couple sessions.
Luke's personal transparency draws you in to the exploration of personal trauma. Paired with other persons willing to share their stories and professional voices, one cannot help but become better acquainted with the impact trauma and traumatic events have on people.
If you are involved in any type of work that provides care of persons, this is a most see and encounter. Not only for the potential of personal discovery, but also to create better awareness and equipping.
I viewed on my own, I would really enjoy and recommend viewing with a group, especially one that would create the space for dialogue. Likely taking place over a couple sessions.
See also
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