“It’s What’s Inside” (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The thriller-comedy It’s What’s Inside (2024) brings a clever twist on the body-swap genre, fusing sharp humor with mind-bending horror. Directed by Greg Jardin, this movie serves as a contemporary take on the Gen-Z party chaos, heavily influenced by recent hits like Bodies Bodies Bodies and Talk To Me. Now streaming on Netflix, the film explores friendship dynamics, old grudges, and chaotic reunions—through the unnerving premise of a mind-swapping game that goes wrong.
The Plot: A Mind-Swap Thriller Gone Awry
The story follows Cyrus (James Morosini) and Shelby (Brittany O’Grady), a couple going through a relationship rut. After nearly a decade together, their romance has stagnated, with no spark in the bedroom and no ring to show for it. Adding more tension is their impending trip to an old friend’s pre-wedding party, which brings them back in touch with their college clique, including their enigmatic friend Forbes (David W. Thompson).
When the group of eight reunites at the estate of their soon-to-be-married friend Reuben (Devon Terrell), Forbes introduces an unusual party game. Using a device that enables people to switch minds, the game is simple: everyone swaps bodies, and they must guess who is in whose body. The seemingly harmless fun quickly escalates into chaos, as deep-rooted resentments and desires bubble to the surface, leading to unexpected—and often darkly funny—outcomes.
Performances and Characters
Each actor in It’s What’s Inside gives a standout performance, but particular credit goes to David W. Thompson, whose portrayal of Forbes—an estranged friend with chaotic energy—drives much of the film’s momentum. Brittany O’Grady’s Shelby is also noteworthy, as her character’s arc becomes the emotional core of the film. Meanwhile, James Morosini delivers both humor and discomfort as Cyrus, a man more invested in his phone than his partner. The film plays on the natural chemistry and tension between the group of friends, allowing each actor to step into multiple roles during the body-swapping sequences, which showcases their versatility.
The Cinematic Style and Visuals
Jardin employs a vibrant, hyper-stylized aesthetic that reflects the fractured realities of the characters. The use of neon colors and split-screen shots heightens the disorienting nature of the body-swapping premise, making the film visually engaging. The lavish estate setting adds an eerie, isolated feel to the group’s psychological mind games, drawing comparisons to other ensemble horror-comedies like Knives Out or Bodies Bodies Bodies. The color schemes also play a significant role in storytelling, helping audiences track whose mind is in whose body during key moments of confusion.
Themes: Friendship, Identity, and Social Media Culture
At its core, It’s What’s Inside delves into themes of identity and perception, especially in an era dominated by social media façades. The movie subtly critiques the curated personas that people present online and in social settings, while exploring what happens when people are literally forced to walk in someone else’s shoes. The body-swap game becomes a metaphor for the internal struggles of the characters, as they confront their jealousy, suppressed desires, and hidden insecurities.
The film also taps into the anxieties of long-term relationships. Cyrus and Shelby’s crumbling relationship is juxtaposed against the carefree lives of their single friends, and the body-swap mechanic serves as a device to explore how disconnected they’ve become over the years.
Stream It or Skip It?
If you’re a fan of twisted, genre-bending horror-comedies, It’s What’s Inside should definitely be on your watchlist. Its blend of satire, humor, and mind-bending horror creates an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. The film’s pacing is snappy, the performances are memorable, and the premise is executed with both wit and creativity. Though not without flaws—the narrative can be a bit convoluted at times, especially in the third act—the movie still delivers a fresh take on the party-gone-wrong subgenre.
Where to Watch “It’s What’s Inside” Online
As of 2024, It’s What’s Inside is available to stream exclusively on Netflix, making it easily accessible for audiences in the U.S. and worldwide. For those without a Netflix subscription, the movie is also available for rental or purchase on popular platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy options.
- Apple TV: Offers both rental and purchase.
If you’re looking to stream the movie as part of a subscription package, Netflix remains the primary option. However, for those preferring to own the movie, the rental and purchase options provide flexibility.
Final Thoughts
It’s What’s Inside is a cleverly crafted film that balances humor, horror, and sci-fi elements to deliver a unique viewing experience. With its talented ensemble cast, visually stimulating direction, and a premise that explores timely social issues like identity and friendship, the film is a solid addition to Netflix’s growing catalog of smart genre films. While it may not reach the emotional depth of similar films like Talk To Me, its biting satire and chaotic energy make it a fun watch for horror-comedy enthusiasts.
