Imagine a reunion dinner with old friends, a remote mansion, and an invention that promises to change everything. That’s how It’s What’s Inside begins—intriguing, unsettling, and full of potential. What starts as a harmless game quickly spirals into a dark and twisted quest for revenge, exposing buried secrets and fractured friendships. It’s an experience that’s as flashy as it is fast-paced. But while the thrills are plenty, something’s missing beneath the surface.
The movie begins with a group of former college friends gathering for a reunion dinner at a remote mansion, rekindling old bonds while also stirring up unresolved issues and tense memories. Among them is Forbes, who was once the odd one out in the group. Now, he has something extraordinary to share—a machine he’s invented that can swap people’s minds and bodies. Intrigued and somewhat skeptical, his friends agree to try it, thinking it’s all part of a fun, harmless game.
As the friends begin to swap bodies, they quickly realize the experiment is far more unsettling than expected. Each exchange exposes long-buried secrets and painful memories, showing just how fractured their relationships truly are beneath the surface. What starts as an amusing novelty descends into a chaotic and disorienting experience, with the group struggling to navigate the unsettling shifts in identity. Friendships crack under the pressure as the friends confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and each other, revealing how much time and distance have eroded the trust between them.
The body-swapping machine, once presented as a thrilling invention, soon becomes a dangerous catalyst for deception and self-discovery. With alliances shifting and tensions rising, the friends are forced to face not only the complex dynamics within their group but also the lingering impact of past choices. As their identities blur, the story delves into themes of betrayal, identity, and the hidden costs of friendships tested by time and unresolved conflicts.
In the final act, It’s What’s Inside tries for a big twist, aiming to pull the story together. Unfortunately, this twist feels more like another gimmick than a natural conclusion. The pacing slows down here, sapping the energy from a story that had been fast-paced and full of action.
It’s What’s Inside made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, premiering in the “Midnight” section—a showcase for genre films that push boundaries. It’s the first film from writer-director Greg Jardin, who clearly wants to make a splash with his visual style. The high-concept plot gives him plenty of room for creative flair, and he doesn’t hold back. Jardin uses rapid montages, split screens, and colorful lighting to keep the audience visually informed about each identity switch, making it clear who’s who in the chaotic body-swapping scenes. These techniques bring energy and flair but often overshadow the characters themselves. It seems that, as a debut, Jardin prioritizes his technical skills over character development and story pacing, sacrificing the film’s heart for a bigger spotlight on his brilliant talent and skills.
It also seems that Jardin is following the somehow trend of one-dimensional characters this year, joining the ranks of other filmmakers who take the convenient storytelling shortcut of prioritizing pace and atmosphere over creating memorable, multifaceted roles. This pattern is similar to films like Don’t Move, Trap, and Uglies, all of which offer intriguing premises but shallow characters, leaving audiences with a sense that something’s missing beneath the surface.
In the end, if you’re a fan of visually creative, fast-paced films and appreciate style-driven storytelling with vibrant lighting though at times, the overwhelming purple lighting makes you feel like you’ve been transported inside a giant UV lamp, split screens, and dynamic montages, It’s What’s Inside will deliver the eye-catching flair you crave. However, for those seeking depth in character development or a nuanced emotional narrative, the film feels more like a Jack-in-the-Box of Style Over Substance. While the body-swapping premise is intriguing, it ultimately prioritizes technical brilliance over storytelling heart. Expect a visually inventive ride, but not a character-driven journey.
Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (6.5/10)