'It's What's Inside' Review

Netflix's newest film It's What's Inside written and directed by Greg Jardin may just be the streaming services next hit. It feels like every year Netflix releases a handful of cheap, predictable, Gen Z-style films and throws them at the wall to see which one sticks. This year alone we've had Uglies, Irish Wish, Unfrosted, and A Family Affair to name a few. I've seen all four of these films and well... I wouldn't say they're particularly good; however, It's What's Inside surprised me. What started off as just any other A24 wannabe, became something that I was engaged in, constantly trying to guess how it would end. There were twists and turns that kept me guessing, and while I still wouldn't say it's a good film I would say that it is VERY fun. It's the perfect movie to put on with a group of friends and play the game with the movie.

The ratings are as follows:

Plot 7/10

Acting 7/10

Directing 5/10

Writing 8/10

Cinematography 4/10

Soundtrack 5/10

Costumes 7/10

Lighting 2/10

Color 7/10

Emotional Impact 5/10

Overall: 57/100

The plot follows a long-time group of friends who are reuniting for one of their wedding parties. There's clearly some underlying love triangles, history, and unsolved drama between all of them. One thing that was hilarious was how this group in real life would never be friends. They're all completely different and act like they haven't known each other for years. It's messy, but it still ends up working. Eventually their friend, Forbes played by my favorite actor from the film David W. Thompson, shows up and brings a device that allows the group to essentially switch bodies. Chaos ensues as drama and history comes to light and a major twist at the end ties the whole thing together. It's an original idea playing with classic tropes and you have to respect that risk. I think Greg Jardin struggles with directing the film, but really thrives when it comes to the script. He ties you into the story and keeps you guessing, even if 15 minutes prior you were complaining about how stupid the film is. The shots are messy and the lighting makes close to no sense, but that's not really what this movie is. I can ignore technicality that's all over the place when I'm engaged in the story. What you can say positively about the lighting is that it's colorful. Does it make sense? No. But I guess hyper-realism would've made this less enjoyable to watch so whatever, let's throw all the color on screen and see what happens! The cast does a fine job with what they're handed and about 20 minutes into the film they all settle into their roles and start bringing the heat. I really need to shout out David W. Thompson again. He brings the heat that makes this movie what it is. Not only is he fantastic at understanding the tone and vibe of this film and his character, but he also plays every other actors character better than they play it. That's not slight to the other actors in the film, they're doing their best, but David W. Thompson is just acting circles around everyone. If nothing else comes out of this film, I hope that Thompson starts a great career doing some more serious films where he can showcase his talents.

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett