It’s What’s Inside: A Netflix Thriller Worth Watching
Netflix’s latest acquisition, It’s What’s Inside, acquired for a staggering $17 million at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, is making waves. The film marks the feature debut of Greg Jardin, known for his short form and music video work. This sci-fi thriller, laced with humor and set against a backdrop of friendship and betrayal, is a fresh take on the genre with a unique, heightened tone.
An Engaging Plot with a Twist
At the heart of the film is a reunion of old college friends gathered to celebrate on the eve of Reuben’s marriage. The plot takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Forbes, an estranged classmate, who brings with him a mysterious suitcase containing a device capable of switching people’s bodies. This introduces a game that quickly spirals out of control, reigniting old rivalries and controversies amidst a panic-stricken house.
The narrative intensifies as tension mounts and bodies literally begin to drop, all culminating in a heart-pounding final act that keeps the audience guessing. The climax is marked by unexpected twists that bring a thrilling conclusion to the story.
A Talented Ensemble Cast
Produced by Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo along with Such Content and Boldly Go Productions, It’s What’s Inside boasts a talented young cast. Each actor is tasked with not only embodying their own character but also taking on the traits and mannerisms of those they have swapped bodies with.
The cast includes Brittany O’Grady and James Morosini as the couple Shelby and Cyrus, Gavin Leatherwood as rich party boy Dennis, David Thompson as the tech-savvy Forbes, Alycia Debnam-Carey as social media influencer Nikki, and Devon Terrell as the soon-to-be-married Reuben. These performances bring depth and variance to a film already rich in character and narrative complexity.
A Unique Merge of Genres
Reminiscent of recent horror film successes like Talk To Me and Bodies Bodies Bodies, It’s What’s Inside stands out with its well-defined characters and an unsettling plot device. The film delves deep into the themes of identity and the authenticity within, challenging the facades people wear in society.
With a seamless blend of sci-fi, horror, and mystery, the film uses its mansion-turn-art installation set design to manipulate mood and tension effectively through color, space, and perspective. Sharp edits, split-screen views, and black-and-white flashbacks further enhance the storytelling experience, adding layers to the characters’ psyche and the unfolding mystery.
Criticisms and Praises
While some critics argue that the film’s stylistic elements detract from emotional depth, these features align with Greg Jardin’s narrative goals. At its core, the film explores deteriorating friendships and the self-delusions people maintain. The opening scene between Shelby and Cyrus sets the stage for the film’s themes, establishing a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and compelling.
The only critique lies in the film’s resolution which might feel less satisfying compared to its build-up. Nevertheless, the majority of the film’s 100-minute runtime captivates and entertains its audience thoroughly before coming to a close.
A Must-Watch on Netflix
Overall, It’s What’s Inside is aptly named, peeling back layers of humanity and societal complexities. It offers a thought-provoking, sci-fi-driven narrative that captivates viewers with its discourse on identity, survival, and attention. It’s an impressive debut from Jardin and the perfect way to kick off Netflix’s “Netflix & Chills” month of October. Don’t miss streaming it on Netflix.
FAQs about It’s What’s Inside
1. What is It’s What’s Inside about?
The film centers around a group of college friends who, on the eve of one friend’s wedding, come into contact with a device that allows them to switch bodies, leading to chaos and revealing deep-seated betrayals.
2. Who directed the film?
It’s directed by Greg Jardin, making his feature film debut, previously known for his work in short forms and music videos.
3. How does the film blend different genres?
The film intricately weaves together elements of sci-fi, horror, and mystery, creating a unique narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
4. What theme is central to the movie?
Identity and the facades of social interactions form the core themes, questioning the authenticity of relationships and societal constructs.
5. Which actors star in the film?
The ensemble cast includes Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, David Thompson, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and Devon Terrell, each portraying complex characters navigating the film’s intricate plot.
6. Where can I watch It’s What’s Inside?
The film is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
7. How long is the movie?
The runtime of the film is approximately 100 minutes.
8. What makes It’s What’s Inside unique?
Its unique storytelling approach, combining genre-blending techniques with deep character exploration, sets it apart from similar films.
9. Who produced the movie?
The production was handled by Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo, along with Such Content and Boldly Go Productions.
10. Is this film recommended for a specific audience?
The film is an exciting watch for fans of sci-fi, mystery, and character-driven narratives who enjoy exploring themes of identity and societal commentary.
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