New Movies: In Vitro (2024) by Will Howarth, Tom McKeith: A Chilling Sci-Fi Thriller of Control and Isolation
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 8
- 10 min read
In Vitro (2024) is an Australian science-fiction thriller directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Talia Zucker. Set in a near future devastated by ecological disasters, the film follows Layla and her husband Jack, living in isolation on their struggling cattle farm. Jack, a biotech researcher, is experimenting with new livestock breeding methods he hopes will save them from financial ruin. However, as unsettling occurrences plague the property, Layla begins to sense a disturbing presence, and their once-loving relationship unravels, exposing themes of control, manipulation, and the dark side of love against a stark, moody Australian landscape.
Summary Short
Will Howarth and Tom McKeith's In Vitro (2024) is an Australian sci-fi thriller. In a future of ecological collapse, a couple on a remote farm develops biotech for livestock, but a sinister presence emerges, unraveling their marriage and exposing themes of control and isolation
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17081498/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/in-vitro-2025 (US)
Detailed Summary
In Vitro (2024) is an Australian science-fiction thriller co-directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, who also share writing credits with Talia Zucker. Developed through the prestigious Sundance Screenwriters Lab, the film presents a chillingly believable near-future ravaged by ecological disasters that have severely impacted the agricultural industry. The narrative centers on Layla (Talia Zucker) and her husband Jack (Ashley Zukerman), who live in stark isolation on their struggling cattle farm. While Layla longs for their son, who is away at boarding school, Jack is engrossed in biotechnology experiments, developing new livestock breeding methods he believes will secure their financial future. However, as strange and unsettling events begin to plague their remote property, their strained marriage starts to unravel, and Layla increasingly senses a disturbing, unknown presence. The film explores the dynamics of possession, manipulation, and survival within a controlling relationship, set against a stark and moody Australian landscape that blends futuristic elements with old-world aesthetics. Will Howarth also appears in the film as Brady, a farmhand.
Plot Summary
Setting the Scene: In a near-future world where ecological disasters have devastated the agricultural industry, Layla and her husband Jack live in remote isolation on their struggling cattle farm.
Biotech Experiments: Jack, a biotech researcher, is deeply involved in experiments aimed at developing new livestock breeding methods, hoping to avert their financial ruin.
Growing Unease: Layla, yearning for her son who is at boarding school, begins to feel increasingly unsettled as strange occurrences plague the property.
Unraveling Relationship: The isolation and the unsettling events strain Layla and Jack's once-loving relationship, revealing underlying tensions and an unbalanced power dynamic.
Disturbing Presence: Layla starts to sense a disturbing, unknown presence lurking on the land, deepening the mystery and the psychological horror.
Discovering Truths: As the film progresses, Layla uncovers unsettling truths about Jack's experiments and the nature of the presence, forcing her to question her reality and her place within the controlling relationship. A "massive reveal" happens early in the first act, though its impact is noted as potentially diminished by its timing.
Director's Vision
Directors Will Howarth and Tom McKeith aimed to create a grounded sci-fi thriller with compelling characters that spoke to contemporary anxieties. Their goal with In Vitro was to present a "moody, atmospheric piece set in a world of secrets and hidden agendas where nothing is as it seems."
Grounded Sci-Fi: They sought to keep the sci-fi elements believable and rooted, focusing more on the human and psychological impact of advanced biotechnology rather than grand spectacle.
Exploration of Relationships and Control: At its core, their vision was to explore "relationships and the ways in which we can feel controlled." They were particularly interested in the psychology behind a protagonist unwilling or unable to leave a controlling relationship, approaching this sensitive subject with care.
Timely Themes: The film integrates contemporary anxieties around climate change and economic downturn, using the sci-fi genre to "explore possible futures while shining a light on our current reality."
Challenging Conclusions: They hope audiences will be "challenged by the film's conclusion and reflect on their own ideas around love and control," suggesting an ambiguous or thought-provoking ending.
Striking Visuals and Atmosphere: The vision emphasized "striking visuals" and a palpable atmosphere to immerse viewers, with the isolated Australian setting playing a key role in generating a feeling of being trapped.
Themes
Control and Manipulation: A central theme is the exploration of how love can become possessive and destructive, specifically examining the dynamics of coercive control within a relationship and Layla's struggle within it.
Isolation and Paranoia: The remote farm setting emphasizes the physical and psychological isolation of the characters, fostering paranoia and magnifying the sense of a disturbing presence.
Biotechnology and its Ethical Implications: Set against a backdrop of ecological disaster, the film delves into the ethical questions surrounding advanced biotechnology and its potential unintended consequences in solving human problems.
Grief and Longing: Layla's longing for her son who is away at boarding school hints at themes of parental grief and the emotional toll of family separation.
Resilience and Survival: The characters are forced to confront unsettling realities and fight for their survival, both financially and psychologically.
Reality vs. Perception: The film plays coy with its true nature, blurring the lines between what is real and what is perceived, keeping the audience engaged in uncovering the truth.
Key Success Factors
Compelling Blend of Genres: The film successfully splices ecological thriller, sci-fi, and domestic psychological drama, creating a unique and unsettling experience.
Strong Lead Performances: Talia Zucker's portrayal of Layla is described as "riveting, well measured and more importantly feels grounded," while Ashley Zukerman brings a "casual menacing presence."
Atmospheric Direction: Howarth and McKeith create a palpable atmosphere through consistent rural landscapes, ominous scores, and a secluded setting that enhances the feeling of being trapped.
Timely and Relevant Themes: Its exploration of climate change, economic downturn, and relationship control gives the film added relevance in contemporary society.
Festival Recognition: The film's premiere at the Sydney Film Festival and winning the Dark Matters Jury Award at the Austin Film Festival (presented by Vertigo Entertainment) highlight its quality and appeal within the genre circuit.
Sundance Screenwriters Lab Development: Being developed through such a renowned lab suggests a strong, well-honed screenplay.
Awards and Nominations
In Vitro (2024) has received notable recognition on the film festival circuit:
Austin Film Festival (AFF): It was awarded the prestigious Dark Matters Jury Award, presented by Vertigo Entertainment.
Sydney Film Festival (SFF) 2024: It had its Australian premiere and was the Audience Award Runner-Up.
Glasgow Film Festival 2025: It had its UK Premiere.
CinefestOZ (2024), Melbourne International Film Festival (2024), Brisbane International Film Festival (2024), Warsaw International Film Festival (2024), International Film Festival of India (2024): All listed as Official Selections.
Critics Reception
Critical reception for In Vitro (2024) has been largely positive, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and thematic depth.
HeyUGuys (Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Review): Gave it a 4/5, stating "Well placed twists and turns keep you engaged despite the minor pacing issues. In Vitro takes care to build the tension to put you at the centre of events along with a score to help make you feel unsettled." They commended the directors for "bucking the trend" of cheap jump scares, and praised Talia Zucker's "riveting, well measured and more importantly feels grounded" performance.
Screen Hub (Sydney Film Festival Review): Rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it an "Australian horror sci-fi that splices chills with domestic drama, and plays coy with its true nature." While noting a "massive reveal happens too early," they highlighted its unsettling nature and relevance, stating it "adroitly splices the bones of these genres with the creeping menace of a domestic violence drama."
The Curb: Reported that the film "immerses audiences in a chillingly believable near-future world" and "explores the dynamics of possession, manipulation and survival against a stark and moody landscape."
Overall, critics generally commend the film for its ability to build tension without relying on cheap scares, its strong performances, and its intelligent blend of sci-fi and psychological thriller elements, despite some minor pacing concerns.
Box Office
In Vitro (2024) has generated a limited box office revenue of $23,105 as of its initial releases. As an Australian independent sci-fi thriller primarily showcased at film festivals, it was not intended for a wide theatrical release. Its success is more indicative of its critical acclaim and festival performance rather than significant commercial box office numbers.
Production Summary
In Vitro (2024) is an Australian science-fiction thriller produced by Will Howarth (for Fictious), Lisa Shaunessy, and Bec Janek (for Arcadia). It was developed through the Sundance Screenwriters Lab and received production funding from Screen Australia, with additional support from Screen NSW and Mind the Gap. The film was primarily shot in Cooma and Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, with post-production taking place in Orange, creating approximately 127 local jobs.
Production Companies
The primary production companies for In Vitro (2024) are Fictious (Australia) and Arcadia (Australia). Screen Australia provided significant development and production support.
Sales Companies
The Exchange is handling worldwide sales for In Vitro (2024). This indicates their role in securing distribution deals for the film across various international territories.
Distribution Companies
Madman Entertainment is the distributor for In Vitro (2024) in Australia. Saban Films is distributing the film in the United States, with its release planned for theaters, Digital, and On Demand. Plaion Pictures is handling the UK distribution.
Release date on streaming
In Vitro (2024) will be available on Digital and On Demand platforms in the United States on June 27, 2025, through Saban Films. It will also be released across Digital Platforms in the UK "later this year" (2025) via Plaion Pictures.
Theatrical Release
In Vitro (2024) premiered at the 71st Sydney Film Festival in June 2024. It also had its UK Premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival 2025 (February 27, 2025). A limited theatrical release in the United States is scheduled for June 27, 2025, coinciding with its digital release.
Why to recommend movie
Intelligent Sci-Fi Thriller: The film offers a thought-provoking narrative that blends science fiction with psychological suspense, going beyond typical genre tropes.
Strong Dual Director Vision: Will Howarth and Tom McKeith deliver a meticulously crafted, atmospheric piece that challenges audiences to reflect on themes of love and control.
Compelling Performances: Talia Zucker and Ashley Zukerman deliver grounded and unsettling performances that anchor the film's emotional intensity.
Timely and Relevant Themes: It addresses contemporary anxieties around ecological disaster, economic strain, and controlling relationships, giving the film added depth.
Festival Acclaim: Being a Sundance Screenwriters Lab project and winning awards at prestigious festivals like Austin and Sydney Film Festival speaks to its quality and artistic merit.
Why to watch movie
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that build tension subtly: The film avoids cheap jump scares, opting for a palpable atmosphere and character-driven suspense.
For a unique take on near-future sci-fi: It focuses on the human element and societal implications of biotechnology rather than grand futuristic spectacle.
To see strong Australian independent cinema: The film showcases the talent of its Australian cast and crew, contributing to the country's growing reputation in genre filmmaking.
If you're interested in exploring themes of control and isolation: The film provides a nuanced and often unsettling look at these complex relationship dynamics.
For a film that encourages reflection: The directors explicitly stated their desire for audiences to be challenged by the conclusion and consider their own ideas about love and control.
Movie Trend
The film is following the trend of Grounded, Atmospheric Sci-Fi Thrillers with Social Commentary. This trend sees filmmakers using speculative fiction to explore contemporary anxieties and societal issues (such as ecological concerns, economic strain, and relationship dynamics) in a more intimate, character-driven way, often relying on unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension rather than large-scale action or visual effects. It aligns with the "elevated genre" movement in independent cinema.
Social Trend
The film aligns with the social trend of Heightened Awareness of Coercive Control and Toxic Relationships, alongside growing concerns about Ecological Disaster and Sustainability. By explicitly exploring a controlling relationship dynamic and setting it against a backdrop of ravaged agriculture due to climate change, the film taps into contemporary discussions about personal autonomy, domestic abuse, and environmental crisis, reflecting a societal push for greater understanding and accountability in both interpersonal and global contexts.
Final Verdict
In Vitro (2024), co-directed by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, is a compelling and unsettling Australian sci-fi thriller that excels in its psychological depth and atmospheric tension. Developed through the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, the film intelligently uses its near-future ecological backdrop to explore the insidious dynamics of control and manipulation within a struggling relationship. Anchored by strong, grounded performances from Talia Zucker and Ashley Zukerman, and praised by critics for its subtle suspense and thematic relevance, In Vitro offers a thought-provoking and visually striking experience. It stands as a testament to the power of independent cinema to deliver intelligent, nuanced genre fare that resonates with contemporary anxieties.
Recommendations for film makers
Embrace Timely Themes: Integrate contemporary social and environmental anxieties into genre narratives to give your film added relevance and depth, as seen with In Vitro's exploration of climate change and control.
Focus on Psychological Depth: Prioritize building tension through character dynamics, atmosphere, and internal conflict rather than relying on overt scares or spectacle.
Invest in Strong Character-Driven Writing: A well-developed screenplay, as evidenced by the Sundance Screenwriters Lab involvement, is crucial for grounding speculative concepts and making characters compelling.
Utilize Location to Enhance Atmosphere: Leverage stark or isolated settings to amplify themes of loneliness, paranoia, and vulnerability.
Seek Festival Development and Exposure: Participation in labs and festivals can provide crucial support, funding, and visibility for independent films exploring complex themes.
Recommendations for movie industry
Support Intelligent Genre Films: Invest in sci-fi and thriller projects that prioritize thematic depth, psychological complexity, and character-driven storytelling over pure spectacle.
Champion Emerging International Talent: Actively seek out and distribute compelling films from burgeoning independent film scenes, such as Australia, which are producing high-quality genre work.
Recognize the Power of "Grounded" Sci-Fi: Understand that stories focusing on the human and societal implications of technology can be as impactful as large-scale futuristic blockbusters.
Promote Films Addressing Socially Relevant Issues: Highlight and market films that subtly (or overtly) explore important contemporary concerns like climate change, mental health, and relationship dynamics.
Broaden Distribution Channels: Continue to provide diverse release avenues (theatrical, digital, on-demand) for independent and international films, ensuring they reach wider audiences.
Final Conclusions
In Vitro (2024), from co-directors Will Howarth and Tom McKeith, is a meticulously crafted Australian sci-fi thriller that excels in its psychological depth and atmospheric tension. The film intelligently leverages its near-future setting to explore the insidious dynamics of control and manipulation within a relationship, set against a stark backdrop of ecological devastation. With strong, grounded performances and critical acclaim from prestigious festivals, In Vitro stands as a compelling example of how independent cinema can deliver intelligent, nuanced genre fare that resonates profoundly with contemporary anxieties. I have successfully gathered information about the movie "In Vitro (2024)" by Will Howarth and Tom McKeith and compiled it into the requested format.
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