Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Everything Inside.
At Netflix's Climax This is what's insideShelby's desire to remain in Nikki's body is revealed, pointing to a deeper truth about the character. The film follows This is what's inside characters who harbor many secrets, such as revenge plots, unrequited loves and jealousy. These hidden desires come to the fore when they have the opportunity to manifest them in the bodies of other people. Netflix's raunchy horror-comedy is non-stop body-swap entertainment. However, the levity doesn't stop the film from touching on heavy topics such as the impact of life experiences on identity and perception.
The best example of this in the film is the various retellings of what happened to Beatrice at the college party in the movie "Everything Inside". There is no objectively accurate version of this story, as each person's memories are retold through the lens of their experience and knowledge. Another example of this theme is Shelby's decision to remain inside Nikki's body during the climax of "It's What's Inside", a controversial decision that ultimately speaks to the character's perception of herself and others.
This is what's inside that proves Shelby had an unhealthy obsession with Nikki's life
Shelby's jealousy of Nikki is hinted at at the beginning of "That's What's Inside"
When Shelby decides she wants to stay in Nikki's body towards the end This is what's insidethe film confirms that Shelby is obsessed with Nikki's life. The horror-comedy hints at this within the first five minutes of the film, as she prepares to role-play while having sex with Cyrus.
All of these elements prove that she is idealizing her friend's life, a trap that is easy to fall into when looking at social media influencers.
The wig Shelby wears is very similar in color and style to Nikki's hair, although it is parted down the middle rather than at the side. She also wears lipstick almost identical to the one Nikki wears in her video. Also, when Shelby practices saying, "Oh hey cutieShe tries to mirror the tone and inflection of her friend's voice. If she's willing to play her friend's role, it shouldn't be too shocking that she's willing to take over her friend's life.
Then, when she and Cyrus go to the wedding, she keeps scrolling through Nikki's social media and ignores her boyfriend. Immediately after getting into Nikki’s body, she decides to post a photo on her friend’s account. She is shocked and delighted by the number of likes and engagements. All of these elements prove that she is idealizing her friend's life, a trap that is easy to fall into when looking at social media influencers.
Did Shelby want to be Nikki because of Cyrus?
The Real Reason Shelby Wanted Nikki's Body and Life
During an argument over who gets which body, Dennis reveals that Cyrus only started dating Shelby after Nikki rejected him. He previously tried to befriend Shelby while she was in Nikki's body. One wonders if Shelby knew Cyrus was in love with Nikki. If she knew about his feelings, it might influence her desire to regain her body.
While nothing clearly confirms her knowledge of the matter, she may have suspected, based on her statement, that the wig idea was Cyrus' idea. Even if she didn't know how deep his feelings were, his suggestion to dress like their friend could set off alarm bells in her mind. Cyrus trying to connect with her in Nikki's body likely reinforced her feelings of being inadequate in her own body. After all, he had avoided sex with her before. Shelby probably believed in This is what's inside that she needs to be Nikki for Cyrus to want her.