IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE on Netflix is a sci-fi thriller with mystery and comedy to get the plot going. And once it does, you need to pay attention. Body swapping is key to the story, and it gets tricky.
Fortunately, the audience is given several ways to follow along, but you’ll want to stay one step ahead. As much as you can. The runtime is just around 100 minutes, so it doesn’t drag on. And the ending is great!
The title of It’s What’s Inside could easily be expanded into “It’s what’s inside that counts” but that’s not all this title refers to. More than anything, in some cases it asks the question: Is it really though?!
At a pre-wedding party, college friends get together eight years after graduating. One of the friends is the one getting married, and a guest – who didn’t leave college in the best way – has brought a game.
This game enables its participants to swap bodies. Or rather, swap their mind into the body of someone else. The actual game then consists of trying to guess whose mind is in which body.
Sounds fun… sort of, maybe?!
Depending on who you play it with, obviously. And these “friends” are not without complicated pasts – or presents.
Once they all agree to play this game, It’s What’s Inside reveals the deeper meaning of the title. What’s inside a person is often a crazy mix of hidden truths, desires, and grudges.
Especially those desires that tend to come out. What’s interesting is learning that while some focus on appearances others are more interested in who is inside. And yes, this tends to be quite gender-related.
Obviously, things go crazy as alcohol and drugs are also involved. And no real agreement is made on what you can do with someone else’s body once you’re in control of it.
Big mistake, by the way. Huge!
After one major event, everything gets even more out of control than anyone could’ve anticipated. And just when you think it’s over, there’s a sort of epilogue, which reveals new secrets.
I loved the It’s What’s Inside ending.
Actually, I also really enjoyed everything else as it keeps you on your toes and demands attention. Once the actual final ending of It’s What’s Inside comes around, it feels very appropriate.
Also, it leaves plenty of room for sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and whatever else one might think of. In fact, I hope we’ll get more!
Watch It’s What’s Inside on Netflix!
This is the debut feature film of writer and director Greg Jardin, and it’s a real scoop that Netflix grabbed this. It was a huge hit at Sundance and SXSW earlier this year, and an October release on Netflix is just perfect.
So is the casting of It’s What’s Inside. Be sure to stick around during the end credits where it’s revealed exactly which characters they each “embodied”.
The core cast consists of Alycia Debnam-Carey, Brittany O’Grady (The Consultant), James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell (Cursed), David Thompson, and Madison Davenport.
Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Candyman 2021, Fear the Walking Dead) is an executive producer on the movie alongside his creative partner and husband, Raúl Domingo. He refers to It’s What’s Inside as “the horror of the soul” due to the body-swapping consequences of the story.
It’s What’s Inside is truly a delicious blend of thriller, dark comedy, mystery, and sci-fi. One that will leave you wondering what you would do in the same situation.
How well do you really know those closest to you? Or even yourself?!
It’s What’s Inside is out on Netflix globally on October 4, 2024
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