Greg Jardin’s sci-fi mystery It’s What’s Inside caused a stir after it was snatched up by Netflix for $17 million at Sundance. The stylish take on the body-swap film uses an extravagant premise to explore the simple question: how far would you go to achieve the perfect life?
On the eve of friend Reuben’s (Devon Terrell) wedding, a group of college friends reunite for the first time in years. A night of innocent chatter quickly turns to chaos, after mysterious Forbes (David W. Thompson) arrives. He brings a suitcase holding a device that allows the friends to switch bodies. Jealousies and hidden tensions quickly bubble to the surface.
The key challenge of the film is figuring out who is who when the bodies have switched. I found that, with 8 characters constantly swapping places, the film was unsettling and uncomfortable to watch. However, this is what makes it so effective as a psychological mystery. It forces you to stay focused and think critically — immersing you in the struggles of your friends. The distinctive personalities of the group aid this effort. Bolstered by the excellent cast, notably Gavin Leatherwood’s animated portrayal of Dennis, the script allows the person to shine through the body. Nuances in language and line delivery signpost the individual, such as Maya’s (Nina Bloomgarden) calm and steady movements, or Shelby’s (Brittany O’Grady) slight awkwardness. It is a mark of great acting and writing that these characters emerge through the body-swap debacle.
The key challenge of the film is figuring out who is who when the bodies have switched. I found that, with 8 characters constantly swapping places, the film was unsettling and uncomfortable to watch.
On a technical note, the use of colour is excellent. Bright pinks and blues fuel the film’s disorientating feel. The varied camera lenses and shots help this; vignettes, close-ups and split screens work together to disrupt any sense of visual or narrative stability. Despite this, the final twist felt underwhelming. It lacked a full set-up, becoming a surprise too unexpected to feel wholly satisfying. Nevertheless, it was still intriguing and could even serve as a platform for a sequel.
Although the ending doesn’t pack the full punch deserved of such a daring narrative, It’s What’s Inside is worth a watch.
