It’s What’s Inside is probably the first time I’ve ever watched a Netflix movie and thought, “This deserved a theatrical release.” Written and directed by Greg Jardin, it tells the story of “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.”
That’s where you should stop when it comes to knowing more about It’s What’s Inside. Don’t watch the trailer. Don’t look up clips or interviews. Just watch it. If anything, all you need to know is that it’s finally not a sequel to something, the synopsis above, and that according to IMDb it’s a Comedy/Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller. But fine, this is a review, and if you’re still reading, I’ve got thoughts on It’s What’s Inside.
Firstly, the way it’s filmed. It’s jarring, often theatrical, and the camera works goes hand in hand with the nightmare that these characters are experiencing. It felt like I wasn’t just seeing what Shelby, Cyrus, Dennis, Maya, Nikki, Brooke, Reuben, and Forbes were going through. I was in their heads seeing everything from their perspective. It got to the point where I felt like I was Shelby but wait, I was also Cyrus. But also wait, I was Maya and Nikki. I was all of them.
Then there’s the acting. Besides Alycia Debnam-Carey and Gavin Leatherwood, I wasn’t familiar with the cast of It’s What’s Inside. I think this worked to the actors advantage. I had zero preconceived notions as to who they were, their abilities, and was able to immerse myself every time they transformed as characters due to the game they were playing. And those that I did know, I knew Debnam-Carey could act but I didn’t know she could seamlessly switch into character like she did in It’s What’s Inside. As for Leatherwood, I didn’t realize it was him in the movie because of the facial hair and the completely different way he was carrying himself.
Finally, there’s the overall story, which I still won’t go into great detail because you should experience this fresh and with slim to no knowledge. I will say that this movie explores what truly matters, as the title denotes. Do you love your partner because of who they are or because of how they look? Do you desire others in a way that makes you ignore what’s inside? Do you love your friends for who they are? Or is it because of how they look or what they can do for you?
Does it matter what’s inside? By the end of the movie, you’ll realize what’s inside can be a petty cruel mess or the thing to finally liberate you from what’s been holding you back. Either way, you’ll come out of this movie begging the universe and Hollywood to give original or different ideas like this a chance to shine instead of another mediocre remake or sequel.
It’s What’s Inside is now available on Netflix.
