Its Whats Inside American Movie Review

Precarious game nights have become a popular theme in horror cinema, with films like Bodies Bodies Bodies and Talk to Me leading the charge. It’s What’s Inside, directed and written by Greg Jardin, brings a new spin on this subgenre in his feature debut, now streaming on Netflix. The film plays with identity, friendships, and unresolved emotional baggage through a unique twist on a familiar game, turning the night into a chaotic ride of self-discovery and horror.

Its Whats Inside American Movie Review

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Plot Summary:

Cyrus (James Morosini) and Shelby (Brittany O’Grady) are a couple struggling to keep their relationship alive after nearly a decade together. With no wedding ring in sight and their intimacy virtually nonexistent, tensions between them run high. They hit the road for a pre-wedding party at the grand estate of their college friend Reuben (Devon Terrell), hoping to reconnect with their old friend group.

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The reunion brings together a motley crew: edgy stoner Brooke (Reina Hardesty), party boy Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood), spiritual hippie Maya (Nina Bloomgarden), and influencer Nikki (Alycia Debnam-Carey), who complicates the situation by being the object of Cyrus’ desire and Shelby’s jealousy. The dynamic is further intensified when their estranged friend Forbes (David Thompson) unexpectedly shows up with a mysterious briefcase.

Inside the briefcase is a machine that connects to the group via electrodes and allows them to switch bodies. What starts as a game of Mafia/Werewolf takes a dark turn as the group begins to act on their deepest desires, jealousies, and unresolved conflicts while inhabiting each other’s bodies.

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Cast:

Brittany O’Grady as Shelby
James Morosini as Cyrus
Alycia Debnam-Carey as Nikki
Gavin Leatherwood as Dennis
Devon Terrell as Reuben
Nina Bloomgarden as Maya
Reina Hardesty as Brooke
David Thompson as Forbes

Its Whats Inside American Movie Review:

Greg Jardin’s It’s What’s Inside draws upon the modern trend of combining horror with social commentary and satire. The film’s body-swapping gimmick is intriguing, allowing the characters to explore different facets of their personalities and relationships. While it bears strong similarities to Bodies Bodies Bodies in terms of setting and character dynamics, It’s What’s Inside distinguishes itself by focusing on the complexities of long-term relationships and the struggles of adulthood, making it more relatable to a millennial audience.

What Works:

The strongest aspect of the film is its humor and the entertaining interactions among the characters. Jardin’s writing manages to balance comedy with moments of introspective drama, particularly through witty dialogues and sharp observations about friendship and the passage of time. The film excels at portraying the awkwardness of old friends reuniting after years apart, capturing the simultaneous joy and discomfort that comes with remembering shared experiences and past grievances.

The use of neon colors, split screens, and a lively visual style adds a sense of fun and energy to the movie. The body-switching premise offers the actors a chance to showcase their range as they mimic each other’s mannerisms and personalities, keeping the audience engaged.

What Doesn’t Work:

While the film starts strong with its intriguing concept, it plays it too safe. The potential for horror and existential dread is barely scratched, and the stakes remain relatively low throughout. The film could have leaned further into its horror elements, but instead, it opts for a more comedic and sanitized approach. Additionally, the ending feels emotionally unearned, with a tonal shift that seems abrupt compared to the film’s earlier, more humorous vibe. The slow pacing of the final act detracts from the tension built up during the film’s earlier parts, leading to an underwhelming conclusion.

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Cast Performances:

The ensemble cast gives solid performances, with standouts including Alycia Debnam-Carey as Nikki and James Morosini as Cyrus. Debnam-Carey adds depth to her character, transforming Nikki from a shallow influencer stereotype to a more vulnerable and emotionally complex figure. Morosini shines in his portrayal of Cyrus, deftly balancing humor and frustration as his character navigates the complexities of his failing relationship and body-swapping antics.

David Thompson’s portrayal of Forbes is another highlight. His character’s oddball nature adds a layer of unpredictability to the film, and Thompson’s performance is both eerie and comically exaggerated, setting the tone for much of the film’s chaotic energy.

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Technical Aspects:

The film is visually vibrant, employing neon lights and dynamic camera angles to emphasize the disorienting nature of the body-swapping game. Jardin’s direction is punchy, with some clever editing techniques, such as split screens and flashback sequences depicted through changing photographs, adding a nostalgic and playful tone. The soundtrack complements the film’s comedic beats, while the horror elements could have benefitted from a darker, more atmospheric score to enhance the tension.

Verdict:

It’s What’s Inside is an enjoyable, light-hearted romp through the perils of adult friendships and unresolved emotions. Although it doesn’t fully capitalize on its horror potential, the film succeeds in delivering laughs and thought-provoking moments about relationships and identity. For those looking for a blend of comedy and light horror with a millennial twist, it’s worth a watch.

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Director:

Director: Greg Jardin

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Writer:

Writer: Greg Jardin

It’s What’s Inside American Movie Rating:

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Where to Watch It’s What’s Inside American Movie:

Streaming now on Netflix.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is It’s What’s Inside about?
It’s What’s Inside follows a group of old college friends who reunite for a pre-wedding party. They participate in a body-swapping game that causes chaos as they act on long-held desires and unresolved conflicts.
Where can I watch It’s What’s Inside?
It’s What’s Inside is available for streaming on Netflix.
Who are the main cast members?
The main cast includes Brittany O’Grady as Shelby, James Morosini as Cyrus, Alycia Debnam-Carey as Nikki, Gavin Leatherwood as Dennis, and David Thompson as Forbes.
Is It’s What’s Inside a horror movie?
While It’s What’s Inside incorporates horror elements, it is more of a comedy-drama with some light horror sprinkled throughout.
How does It’s What’s Inside compare to other movies in the same genre?
The film bears similarities to Bodies Bodies Bodies but caters to a millennial audience with its focus on long-term relationships and personal fulfillment. However, it is lighter on the horror elements compared to other films in the genre.
What makes It’s What’s Inside unique?
Its body-swapping premise allows for interesting character dynamics and comedic situations, as the cast switches personalities and explores new aspects of themselves.
Who directed and wrote It’s What’s Inside?
The film was directed and written by Greg Jardin.
Does the film have a satisfying conclusion?
The film’s ending has been criticized for feeling emotionally unearned and out of place compared to the rest of the movie, which may leave some viewers unsatisfied.
What is the tone of the movie?
It’s What’s Inside blends comedy with light horror, focusing more on humor and character dynamics than on creating a terrifying atmosphere.
Is It’s What’s Inside worth watching?
If you enjoy light-hearted films with a comedic take on horror tropes and themes of friendship and identity, It’s What’s Inside is a fun watch. However, if you’re looking for a more intense horror experience, it may fall short of expectations.