Introduction
Released in 2024 and now streaming on Netflix, It’s What’s Inside is the directorial debut of Greg Jardin, who offers a modern twist on the classic “old dark house” genre. In an age of millennial and Gen Z-focused storytelling, this film blends satirical humor, sci-fi, and thriller elements into a narrative that’s equal parts brain-swapping fun and existential dread. In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, characters, visual storytelling, and key themes while comparing it to similar films. Should you stream it or skip it? Let’s break it down.
Plot Overview
At the center of It’s What’s Inside is Cyrus (James Morosini) and Shelby (Brittany O’Grady), a couple on the edge of a breakup. After nine years together, their relationship has grown stale, both emotionally and physically. The tension between them only heightens as they prepare for the wedding of their college friend, Reuben (Devon Terrell).
Upon arriving at Reuben’s estate—a large mansion brimming with eccentric décor and heavy nostalgia—Cyrus and Shelby reconnect with their old friend group: edgy stoner Brooke (Reina Hardesty), spiritual hippie Maya (Nina Bloomgarden), and the shallow but social media-savvy Nikki (Alycia Debnam-Carey). Just as the group prepares for an awkward but harmless pre-wedding get-together, Forbes (David W. Thompson), an estranged friend, arrives unannounced, carrying a mysterious suitcase. Inside? A brain-swapping machine.
The “party game” quickly spirals out of control as the group’s body-swapping antics expose long-held resentments, hidden desires, and buried secrets. The film’s plot mirrors the structure of a whodunnit but with a sci-fi twist—by the end, it’s less about who did what and more about who is who.
Character Development
One of the most compelling aspects of It’s What’s Inside is how it uses its body-swapping concept to explore character dynamics. With multiple characters inhabiting each other’s bodies, the film offers actors a chance to shine by playing each other’s roles. Brittany O’Grady, as Shelby, stands out with a pronounced character arc, depicting a woman caught in a cycle of insecurity and suspicion. Meanwhile, James Morosini’s Cyrus offers a blend of apathy and desperation that is perfectly captured as his character navigates complex relationship dynamics.
David W. Thompson’s portrayal of Forbes is the linchpin of the movie. His enigmatic presence and mischievous grin bring the chaos that the film needs. He plays the puppet master with dark glee, turning what starts as a fun night into an existential nightmare.
While most of the characters fit neatly into familiar archetypes—the influencer, the stoner, the spiritual healer—they all get enough screen time and narrative depth to transcend stereotypes. The interactions between the characters, heightened by the body-swapping, turn a seemingly typical reunion into a suspenseful and darkly comedic affair.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, It’s What’s Inside is as quirky as its plot. Set largely within a single location—the mansion—the film uses its environment to build tension and intrigue. Production designer Annie Beauchamp creates an eerie yet playful setting, filled with odd artwork and vibrant color schemes that reflect the surreal narrative. Neon lighting and split-screen shots emphasize the confusion and disorientation that come with the body-swapping concept.
Cinematographer Kevin Fletcher takes full advantage of the sci-fi elements, using different lighting filters to show who is in which body, which is crucial to the audience’s understanding of the chaotic identity swaps. Though a bit heavy-handed at times, the technique works well in this context, keeping the audience on track amid the confusion.
Themes and Messages
At its core, It’s What’s Inside explores themes of identity, perception, and unspoken truths within friendships and relationships. The body-swapping premise offers a literal representation of stepping into someone else’s shoes, forcing characters to confront their insecurities and hidden desires. While the film focuses on millennial anxieties about relationships, purpose, and self-fulfillment, it also critiques social media culture through characters like Nikki, whose picture-perfect life hides deep dissatisfaction.
Interestingly, while the film plays with identity in fascinating ways, it surprisingly steers clear of more complex gender or sexuality discussions, which would seem natural for a body-swap narrative. This could be a missed opportunity, leaving the door open for a sequel that dives deeper into the implications of inhabiting another person’s body.
Comparison to Similar Films
It’s What’s Inside draws clear inspiration from films like Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) and Game Night (2018). The former’s influence is particularly noticeable in the film’s satirical, mean-spirited tone and its commentary on generational divides. However, where Bodies Bodies Bodies focuses on Gen Z and their chaotic group dynamics, It’s What’s Inside speaks more to millennials and their struggles with long-term relationships and personal fulfillment.
Another apt comparison is Talk to Me (2022), which, like It’s What’s Inside, uses a supernatural gimmick to explore deeper psychological and emotional themes. Both films take their characters on a rollercoaster of fear and self-discovery, but It’s What’s Inside leans more heavily into its comedic elements, making it less disturbing but no less engaging.
Direction and Conclusion
Greg Jardin’s direction in It’s What’s Inside is bold and chaotic, much like the film’s premise. While the fast pace and hyperkinetic editing may be disorienting for some viewers, it aligns well with the dizzying nature of the plot. Jardin’s decision to focus on the existential questions of identity, wrapped in a sci-fi thriller package, makes for an engaging, if sometimes convoluted, viewing experience.
However, the film’s relentless energy can be overwhelming in the first act, as it introduces characters and sets up the body-swapping scenario. Ironically, the characters become more defined and interesting once their identities are switched—a testament to the strength of the ensemble cast.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It’s What’s Inside?
Yes, It’s What’s Inside is worth watching, especially if you’re a fan of sci-fi horror comedies with a satirical edge. While the film isn’t without its flaws—occasional pacing issues and underexplored themes—it offers a unique, fun, and thought-provoking experience. The body-swapping concept allows for both humor and deep reflection on identity, making it more than just a party game gone wrong.
For fans of films like Bodies Bodies Bodies or Talk to Me, It’s What’s Inside will make an exciting addition to your watchlist. You can stream it now on Netflix or check out more great movies like it on Where to Watch It’s What’s Inside (2024) and GoMovies Best-Rated List.
