When Netflix paid $17 million at Sundance for Greg Jardin’s debut feature It’s What’s Inside, expectations shot sky-high. The film promised something different: a mix of psychological thriller, sci-fi horror, and social satire, all wrapped inside a party-game setup. Now that it has landed on the platform, the question is: did it deliver?
Story & Setup
The story begins with a group of college friends reuniting at Reuben’s house on the night before his wedding. The gathering is meant to be nostalgic, but tensions run under the surface. Shelby and Cyrus are struggling with their relationship. Dennis, wealthy and arrogant, hasn’t really grown up. Nikki, Maya, and Brooke bring their own insecurities. Then comes the uninvited guest: Forbes, the outcast of the group.
Forbes brings a mysterious suitcase with a device inside. The device allows players to swap bodies. At first, it seems like a twisted party trick. But as the game unfolds, secrets leak out, alliances fracture, and the stakes become fatal. What starts as a fun experiment turns into paranoia, betrayal, and identity collapse.
Themes & Style
At its core, the film isn’t just about body-swapping. It’s about:
- Identity: Who are we without our bodies? What happens when our words, gestures, and reputations belong to someone else?
- Secrets & Lies: Everyone hides something, and the swap forces truths out into the open.
- Trust: With friends, lovers, and even yourself.
Director Greg Jardin keeps the film mostly confined to one location, leaning on dialogue, shifting performances, and editing tricks to sell the confusion. The cinematography blends slick party lighting with claustrophobic framing, giving a sense that the walls are closing in as the night spirals.
Performances
This is a true ensemble piece, and the cast pulls off a tricky balancing act.
- Brittany O’Grady (Shelby) grounds the chaos with emotional depth.
- James Morosini (Cyrus) plays the awkward fiancé with sincerity, especially when his insecurities bubble up.
- Gavin Leatherwood (Dennis) adds tension as the entitled trust-fund friend.
- Alycia Debnam-Carey (Nikki) and Nina Bloomgarden (Maya) shine in moments when they must embody each other’s characters after swaps.
The standout twist comes from David Thompson and Madison Davenport as Forbes and Beatrice—characters who fuel the film’s most shocking reveals.
Strengths
- Original concept: It feels refreshing in today’s crowded thriller market.
- High tension: The body-swap gimmick creates paranoia and suspense.
- Acting challenge: Watching actors mimic each other’s mannerisms keeps viewers hooked.
- Twists: The film delivers multiple reveals, some predictable, some genuinely surprising.
Weaknesses
- Confusing tracking: At times it’s hard to follow who is in whose body. The film almost requires a notebook to keep up.
- Overcrowding: With so many characters, not all get the development they deserve.
- Ending: Some viewers found the conclusion unsatisfying, with loose threads and a feeling that the story fizzled instead of exploded.
Critical & Audience Response
Reactions have been mixed to positive:
- Critics praised the ambition and originality, calling it a “bold debut” and a “fresh spin on horror-thrillers.”
- Others complained that it was “style over substance” and became too messy to land an emotional punch.
- On social media, audiences are split—some loved the chaos, others tuned out halfway through.
Verdict
It’s What’s Inside is a high-concept thriller that dares to be different. While not flawless, it stands out in Netflix’s 2024 lineup for its inventive idea, energetic performances, and tense atmosphere. It’s the kind of film that will either fascinate you with its puzzles or frustrate you with its complexity.
Rating: 3.5 / 5 – A clever, stylish debut that shines brightest when it leans into its twisted identity games.
