Netflix has just added a fresh entry to its spooky lineup: It's What's Inside. Since its premiere in the Midnight section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the movie has generated excitement and anticipation among those eager to watch it. While it may not fit the traditional ghost horror archetype, this film promises to captivate anyone who enjoys mind-bending sci-fi dramas that are distinctly Gen Z.
It's What's Inside review
In It's What's Inside, a pre-wedding reunion takes a dark turn when a surprise guest arrives with a mysterious suitcase that contains a machine for swapping bodies.
The bash's attendees include anxious Shelby (Brittany O'Grady), her insensitive boyfriend Cyrus (James Morosini), globally envied influencer Nikki (Alycia Debnam-Carey), charming groom Reuben (Devon Terrell), trust-fund kid Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood), artist Brooke (Reina Hardesty), and spiritual Maya (Nina Bloomgarden). Then there's the enigmatic Forbes (David Thompson).
As they discover a phenomenon that lets them experience life through each other's eyes, secrets come to light, friendships are challenged, and they must face their deepest fears. What starts as a fun game night quickly becomes a thrilling race against time as they work to uncover the truth before it overwhelms them.
 Game night/ Foto: Netflix |
The film had a playful vibe that pulled the audience in easily, it made us feel like part of the gang, guessing alongside the characters about who was really in each body. At one point, I found myself wondering, "Where is this movie even heading?" But the slow, steady build of drama was perfect, and the ending completely blindsided me in the best way possible. I was fully entertained the entire time.
What really stood out was the editing-it was brilliant. The mix of Photoshop and stop-motion made it feel like a throwback to those feel-good music videos from the 2010s, giving the whole experience a fun, nostalgic touch. I also loved how they consistently use neon-colored lighting, adding a striking visual element without it ever feeling overpowering.
Movies like this can easily veer into confusion and feel slightly silly if not executed properly, and I think director Greg Jardin was mindful of that risk. I appreciated the clever concept of portraying two distinct realms-the body's perspective versus the soul's-through contrasting scenes. Plus, the fluid camera transitions made these shifts between these realms feel natural, keeping viewers engaged and even preventing any confusion over "who's who." It was a smart approach that kept both the story and visuals grounded, even with its complex layers.
 The soul POV portrayed in It’s What’s Inside/ Foto: Netflix |
And of course, kudos to the actors who flawlessly portrayed multiple characters, perfectly adapting to whoever had taken over their body. I can only imagine how many times they had to rehearse different personalities, from mannerisms and body language to their speech patterns. It was so convincing that I truly believed they had swapped bodies-until I reminded myself that these were actors juggling several characters at once. I found myself completely invested in every moment.
I honestly can't say a single negative thing about the movie; it was an absolute delight, especially since I went in with no expectations. The storyline was captivating, the editing was expertly crafted, and the cast-despite being unfamiliar faces-delivered standout performances that brought their characters to life.
I would describe it as a blend of Freaky Friday (2003), Knives Out (2019), and Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022). For anyone looking for a fresh and electrifying addition to their Halloween night, this film is a must-watch.
It's What's Inside is available to stream on Netflix.
(HAI/tim)