It’s What’s Inside Review: A Satisfying Movie Worth Watching Again

Netflix’s latest offering, It’s What’s Inside, premiered in the Midnight section at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2024, and became accessible to Netflix subscribers on October 4. Directed by Greg Jardin in his directorial debut, this thrilling film showcases the chaos that unfolds when a group of former college friends engages in body-swapping through a mysterious device.

Set against the backdrop of a luxurious estate during a pre-wedding soirée, the narrative deftly explores the implications of swapping consciousness via an enigmatic machine. The cast features Brittany O’Grady as Shelby, James Morosini as Cyrus, and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Nikki, alongside supporting actors Nina Bloomgarden, Gavin Leatherwood, and Devon Terrell.

The storyline weaves through a labyrinth of personal betrayals and supernatural occurrences. The screenplay skillfully integrates each character’s backstory into the main plot, enhancing motives and stakes that amplify the tension of the body-swapping experience.

Beginning as a lighthearted reunion of friends, the film gradually takes a darker turn, delving into themes of identity, revenge, and self-discovery. Each plot twist is strategically crafted to not only provide shock value but also to develop the characters more deeply, uncovering additional layers of their personalities as they navigate their new bodies.

The pacing is tight, with each scene building on the previous one, ensuring sustained audience engagement throughout the film.

It’s What’s Inside: Cinematography and Direction

The visual storytelling effectively captures the chaos of the body-swapping premise without losing the viewer. Director Greg Jardin, in his debut feature, adopts a clear and systematic approach to cinematography, ensuring that each character’s swap is distinctly represented.

This is accomplished through unique lighting techniques and camera angles that subtly indicate which character is currently inhabiting a body. The camera work is energetic, featuring fluid tracking shots that follow characters as they traverse the expansive estate, highlighting their emotional isolation despite their physical proximity.

Jardin’s direction emphasizes tight close-ups that capture the actors’ nuanced performances, conveying the internal struggles of characters ensnared in unfamiliar bodies.

The outcome is a film that feels simultaneously intimate and grand, striking a delicate balance in a narrative riddled with complexity.

It’s What’s Inside: Acting and Character Development

Brittany O’Grady‘s portrayal of Shelby stands out as she navigates her character’s insecurities and gradual empowerment with a compelling authenticity. James Morosini‘s Cyrus is equally captivating, embodying a mix of vulnerability and misguided ambition that renders his character’s journey significant.

Alycia Debnam-Carey, in the role of Nikki, effectively depicts her character’s transformation from a superficial influencer to a self-reflective individual facing her own shallowness. The supporting cast, including Nina Bloomgarden and Gavin Leatherwood, contributes additional layers to the narrative, each adding unique nuances to their roles that become particularly engaging during body-swapping sequences.

It’s What’s Inside: Musical Score and Atmosphere

The musical score of It’s What’s Inside subtly reinforces the film’s transitions from comedic to suspenseful tones. Music plays a vital role in creating atmosphere, echoing the escalating tension and providing an eerie backdrop for the more intense scenes. Featuring a blend of haunting synths and unexpected crescendos, the score amplifies the emotional weight of pivotal moments without overshadowing them.

During the body-swapping episodes, the music employs motifs that vary in accordance with the current character’s perspective, facilitating the audience’s understanding of the character transitions.

It’s What’s Inside: Comparison to Similar Films and Overall Impact

It’s What’s Inside differentiates itself from other body-swap films such as Freaky or The Change-Up through its unique combination of horror and introspective drama. Unlike its predecessors, which often focus heavily on either comedy or horror, Jardin’s film strikes a careful balance, placing significant emphasis on the emotional and ethical implications of body-swapping.

The film boldly delves into the darker repercussions of its premise, prompting viewers to contemplate profound questions regarding identity and consent.

For those interested, stream It’s What’s Inside on Netflix.

Source