The real testament to a strong relationship is the ability to honestly communicate thoughts and feelings without the fear of retaliation. This complex concept is so cleverly explored in Greg Jardin’s feature directorial debut It’s what’s inside. College sweethearts Shelby (Brittany O’Grady) and Cyrus (James Morosini) struggle with their communication, and their attempt to light a romantic fire under their dying relationship fails at every turn. To rekindle their flame, the couple joins an old college friend, Reuben (Devon Terrell), for a weekend before he is set to say “I do” to his fiancée Sophia.
It’s what’s inside is an in-depth examination of human nature
The group of friends includes internet influencer Nikki (Alicia Debnam-Carey), confident Brooke (Reina Hardesty), quiet stoner Maya (Nina Bloomgarden), and hard-nosed Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood). All is well at the party until their estranged friend Forbes (David W. Thompson) shows up with a mysterious suitcase. What is in this case? Well, this is something you definitely don’t want to spoil for you. But let’s just say that it contains something that will reveal dark secrets and strong desires. It could be their biggest nightmare or their greatest dream, and it will change the lives of the characters – for better or worse.
As thrilling as the plot is, the direction matches it perfectly, which highlights the genre-blending and stylistic framing.
I can confidently say that Jardine’s It’s what’s inside Is some of the most fun I’ve had watching a film at a festival. The synopsis doesn’t come close to emphasizing the ugliness that ensues, but trust me when I say it’s bonkers! On the surface, this is your average friend reunion movie where something goes wrong, tensions rise and the consequences play out drastically. But that’s a serious understatement considering the topics. From the obsession of social media to the facades people put up to get their way, It’s what’s inside Dissect people at their worst and best.
Jardine’s direction of What’s Inside is confident and fearless
To emphasize just how crazy Jardin’s debut is, it’s important to share and celebrate his creative and fearless directorial choices. To put it plainly, his direction is psychologically dizzying, and I mean that as the greatest of compliments. As thrilling as the plot is, the direction matches it perfectly, which highlights the genre-blending and stylistic framing. To capture the human psyche under such complex circumstances is no easy feat. And while the script stretches into ambitious territory, it never crosses the line and instead welcomes you back for multiple viewings to catch the hints you might have missed.
As ambitious or complex as the script may be, the film is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, entertaining the idea of horror tropes but structuring the story with clever twists and thrills that defy the genre. The film asks the ultimate question, “Is it possible to really know someone?” In innovative, hilarious and thought-provoking about none of this would have been possible without the completely convincing performances of the cast, they deserve all the accolades for the challenges that come with conveying their characters. Hard to wrap your head around what they actually do.
It’s what’s inside is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, entertaining the idea of horror tropes but structuring the story with clever twists and thrills that defy the genre.
A mind-bending feature that one can easily become obsessed with, It’s what’s inside is sure to find its cult fan base very quickly. With intensely dizzying direction from Jardine and a script that masks its trickery behind pure entertainment, don’t be surprised if you find yourself begging for multiple viewings. The members of the cast sell their performances with extraordinary precision and gifts, which is sure to be the talk of the festival circuit this year. Do yourself a favor and add this to the top of your watch list and don’t let anyone spoil it for you.
It’s what’s inside is now streaming on Netflix. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It is 103 minutes long and rated for pervasive language, sexual content, drug use and some violent content.
It’s What’s Inside is a film centered around a high-stakes story with complex character dynamics that explore internal and external conflicts. Throughout the storyline, the characters face personal challenges as they navigate their intertwined fates, providing a gripping view of their struggles and transformations.
- The film cleverly explores the nuances of human nature
- The twists and turns of the film are excellent, as is the cast
- This horror film is some of the most fun you will have at the movies
- It’s what’s inside can be too ambitious