IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE
Starring: Alycia Debnam-Carey, Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, David Thompson, Gavin Leatherwood, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, Nina Bloomgarden, and Madison Davenport
Director: Greg Jardin
PAIGE
It’s What’s Inside is a creative and electric pseudo-whodunnit, and while it clearly takes inspiration from films like Coherence and Bodies Bodies Bodies, it still manages to feel fresh. The film's inventive twist is enhanced by its clever screenplay, deft editing, and stunning neon cinematography. It also boasts a highly entertaining ensemble. Though I admit, at times, it can be hard to follow, so in order to avoid getting lost, I suggest trying to memorize all of the characters' names as quickly as possible. All things considered, it's a fun flick with some great social commentary that I recommend watching with a group of friends.
QUENTIN
There is a lot to like about It’s What’s Inside, including a relatively original concept, a unique and neon-soaked visual flair, and excellent needle drops. However, it takes about an hour to get going, and I did not enjoy spending that first hour with these annoying Zoomers (the second hour is better). On top of that, the layering of how things play out can get super confusing as you’re trying to track which underdeveloped character is in which body (tip: remember character names). It’s aggressively reminiscent of Bodies Bodies Bodies, which I didn’t love because of its in-your-face Gen-Z-ness, so maybe let that be your guide.
KATIE
It’s What’s Inside is an entertaining horror-ish comedy in the vein of Bodies Bodies Bodies and Talk To Me, providing similarly satirical takes on Gen Z with a unique concept at its core. The setup is incredibly engaging, once you get the hang of it, and provides ample opportunities for the cast to have fun with their performances and shifting dynamics. It also has neon-lit, glowing visuals and a fun style of editing with flashbacks that set it aside from the films it clearly takes inspiration from. Overall, It’s What’s Inside is an undeniably fun, witty, and compelling feature debut for writer-director Greg Jardin.
PRESTON
It's What’s Inside is an absolute surprise Netflix mystery-thriller by writer/director Greg Jardin. Full disclosure: I try to watch films that have a high probability of being good with my wife. As I started watching this one solo, the couple-guilt began to creep in as I realized how good it actually was. That said, aside from a general distaste for the way the characters are written, which takes stereotypical Gen-Z behaviors beyond the point of comical effect deep into the realm of annoyance, the plot is twisted like scoliosis. It keeps you engaged by teetering on the edge of confusion and explanation.
