As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for the unconventional and a soft spot for dark humor, I found myself drawn to Greg Jardin’s debut, “It’s What’s Inside“. The film’s unique blend of sci-fi, thriller, and dark comedy was indeed a refreshing change of pace. However, it seems that the director’s more philosophical questions about self-awareness were somewhat overshadowed by the narrative whirlwind and plot twists.
A group of college companions gather in a secluded location for a reunion and participate in a puzzling party game in the quirky dark comedy-thriller titled, “It’s What’s Inside“. This event signals the beginning of a downward spiral in the narrative of writer/director Greg Jardin’s first film. The movie cleverly twists an increasingly popular plotline. Initially, the gathering seems like a peaceful pre-wedding celebration; however, things take a bizarre turn when an estranged friend arrives with a suitcase containing a mysterious gadget that ultimately alters everyone’s lives dramatically.
It’s worth noting that this machine can cause body swapping, which leaves our lively group utterly bewildered, leading them to engage in this intriguing yet twisted game. However, the consequences are severe. As they uncover dormant desires and lingering grudges, as well as a multitude of hidden secrets, the revelations become increasingly perplexing.
This Netflix production features a strong lineup of talented actors including Brittany O’Grady (“The White Lotus”), James Morosini (“I Love My Dad”), Gavin Leatherwood (“The Sex Lives of College Girls”), Nina Bloomgarden (“The Resort”), Alycia Debnam-Carey (“Fear the Walking Dead”), Reina Hardesty (“Brockmire”), Devon Terrell (“Totally Completely Fine”), and David Thompson (“Panic”). While it can be tiring at times, it’s also intriguingly entertaining.
Game Night Gone Wrong
In this gathering, the youthful individuals in their twenties deliver compelling performances that deeply captivate us with their emotional struggles. For instance, Shelby (O’Grady) grapples with a complex relationship, finding it difficult to ignite passion in her partner due to Cyrus (Morosini)’s unusual preference for pornography over intimacy with her. Dennis (Leatherwood), the wealthy socialite, appears carefree but hides a past connection with Nikki (Debnam-Carey), a prominent figure on social media. Lastly, Brooke (Hardesty) and Nina (Bloomgarden) add an intriguing touch to the group, as their interest in Buddhism and self-reflection sets them apart from others due to their introspective nature.
Everyone gathered for an unofficial bachelor’s event, a get-together with their friend Reuben (Terrell), before his wedding the next day. The evening was filled with laughter and merriment, but things took a sudden turn when the estranged tech entrepreneur, Forbes, joined the party. It appeared that he had a specific purpose for the night, and was keen on utilizing his innovation from Silicon Valley.
The initial instance of random character swapping brings about a lot of amusement among the participants. Since everyone is unaware of each other’s identities, they can take educated guesses; if someone’s identity gets guessed correctly, they have to confess and wear a picture representing their true self. These pictures, combined with various lighting effects and editing tricks, subtly help the viewer identify who is in whose body. However, what transpires when people lie? Anyone could be in anyone else’s body, leading to a whirlwind of paranoia and suspicion among the characters, which takes the audience on an exciting, chaotic journey through a twisted house of mirrors. This leaves both the characters and us struggling to keep track of everyone and everything that gets unveiled.
A Great Setting Maintains a Film That Gets Too Frantic
Similar to other films set within a single location, such as Rope, Locke, and 10 Cloverfield Lane, writer-director Greg Jardin skillfully utilizes the given house. This residence, both opulent and enigmatic, is devoid of bright LED lights, transforming it into a mini-palace. A towering metallic sculpture resembling a vagina greets visitors (as the homeowner is a pretentious feminist artist, adding intriguing details), balconies cast long shadows above, and secret rooms and chambers intertwine within. It serves as an ideal venue for a party, yet proves even more suitable for a captivating psychological thriller.
The intrigue surrounding this movie is heightened by the fact that Greg Jardin’s first film was welcomed by Sundance and SXSW. Both audiences and critics admired how the movie seamlessly combined sci-fi elements with more conventional thriller/dark comedy themes. However, the filmmaker’s deeper philosophical queries, such as “How well do we truly understand ourselves?”, often get overshadowed by the excitement of the plot and a series of unexpected twists. While this isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, it results in a kind of creative struggle, as the movie seems to split into two parts: one that’s excitingly innovative, and another that becomes increasingly melodramatic.
Humor and Thrills Converge, but the Film Needs More of Both
In this film, an abundance of techniques such as split screens, low lighting, vibrant hues, rapid editing, and frequent bursts of music are employed. It raises the question of whether Jardin’s enthusiasm for crafting something distinct was so intense or if he was simply fueled by multiple cans of 5-Hour Energy and Red Bulls. Regardless, it effectively achieves its purpose, even if it’s quite overt. The style reflects the mounting psychological unease among the game’s players as they ponder, not just their actions on the field, but rather their inner selves — that is, grappling with their self-understanding and their own motivations.
As fear escalates, so does the uproar about the real truth behind these former friends. Suspicion once again falls on Forbes, offering an opportunity for David Thompson, a versatile character actor, to shine. At first, he seizes this chance, but later, the film’s balance between suspense and comedy becomes unstable, causing the character to lose some of its impact.
The movie doesn’t have massive doses of humor or intense jump-scare thrills; instead, it offers intrigue but not genuine adrenaline-pumping moments. While this might not be a deal-breaker, it keeps the film slightly above mediocre level. To his advantage, Jardin manages to craft a visually captivating broken fairy tale that heavily leans on ambiguous past events.
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Jardin has truly outdone himself with his latest creation, “What’s Inside”. The ending might spark some controversy among viewers, but by this point, he’s successfully achieved his goal – he made us look, and kept us hooked. He masterfully blends dark comedy, sci-fi horror, and psychological thrillers to create a chilling masterpiece that leaves you wanting more.
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2024-10-02 23:03