A group of friends gather for a pre-wedding party that descends into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a mysterious game that awakens long-hidden secrets, desires and grudges.
REVIEW:
In Greg Jardin’s debut feature, It’s What’s Inside, we are thrust into a world where the mundane and the fantastical collide with a jarring, almost gleeful abandon. The film, now streaming on Netflix, attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of body-swap comedy with a sprinkle of horror, but often finds itself adrift in a sea of missed opportunities.
The premise is tantalizing: a group of estranged college friends reunites for a pre-wedding bash at a secluded estate, only to be roped into a bizarre game involving a mysterious briefcase that swaps their bodies. The setup is ripe for both comedic and existential exploration, yet Jardin’s script, while clever in parts, often feels like it’s skimming the surface rather than diving deep into the potential chaos and introspection such a scenario could unleash.
Brittany O’Grady and James Morosini lead the ensemble cast with commendable energy, their characters’ strained relationship providing a somewhat stable anchor amidst the film’s whirlwind of identity crises. However, the supporting cast, including Alycia Debnam-Carey and Gavin Leatherwood, often outshine the leads with their more vibrant and varied portrayals. The film’s humor, though occasionally sharp, tends to rely heavily on the novelty of its concept rather than developing a more nuanced comedic rhythm.
Visually, It’s What’s Inside is a treat. Jardin’s direction is stylish, with a keen eye for framing and a penchant for vibrant, almost surreal aesthetics that elevate the film’s more mundane moments. Yet, this visual flair sometimes feels like a distraction from the narrative’s lack of depth. The film flirts with darker, more profound themes of identity and desire but ultimately retreats to safer, more familiar territory.
It’s What’s Inside is a film that promises much with its intriguing concept and stylish execution but delivers only sporadically. For every moment of genuine insight or laughter, there’s another of missed potential or superficiality. It’s a fun ride, to be sure, but one that leaves you wishing it had dared to dig a little deeper.
It’s What’s Inside gets a 3.0/5 or a B. It’s streaming on Netflix
CREDITS:
Directed by
Greg Jardin
Written by
Greg Jardin
Produced by
- William Rosenfeld
- Kate Andrews
- Jason Baum
- Raúl Domingo
Starring
- Brittany O’Grady
- James Morosini
- Gavin Leatherwood
- Nina Bloomgarden
- Alycia Debnam-Carey
- Reina Hardesty
- Devon Terrell
- David W. Thompson
- Madison Davenport
Cinematography
Kevin Fletcher
Edited by
Greg Jardin
Music by
Production
companies
- Such Content
- Edith Productions
- Boldly Go Productions
Distributed by
Release dates
- January 19, 2024(Sundance)
- October 4, 2024(United States)
Running time
103 minutes[1]
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
$2.5 million
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