It’s What’s Inside review: A clever, enthralling and must-see Netflix thriller

As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast who’s seen his fair share of party games gone awry in both virtual and real-life scenarios, I can confidently say that “It’s What’s Inside” is a rollercoaster ride that’s worth every twist and turn. This film, reminiscent of the likes of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and “Talk to Me,” takes the pre-wedding party trope and gives it a sci-fi, horror, thriller, and black comedy spin that leaves you guessing until the very end.


Movies featuring party games that go awry have been a successful trend in recent film genres, and it seems that Netflix’s latest release, “It’s What’s Inside“, will undoubtedly continue this streak by impressing both critics and viewers.

In the style of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and “Talk to Me”, “It’s What’s Inside” follows a group of friends gathering for a pre-wedding celebration. The arrival of an estranged companion sparks a fresh party game, which soon transforms into a harrowing exploration of the human psyche as concealed passions emerge and past animosities re-emerge.

Delving deeper into the specifics of the game might ruin the excitement of uncovering things on your own. However, I can tell you that “It’s What’s Inside” blends elements of horror, sci-fi, thriller, and black comedy. All in all, it’s a captivating experience that is highly recommended.

It's What's Inside review: A clever, enthralling and must-see Netflix thriller

The unique style and distinct visual flair that characterizes Greg Jardin’s first feature film is immediately apparent. Before the intricate plot even unfolds, Jardin employs innovative techniques for composing and editing dialogues, utilizing split-screens, voiceovers, and other methods to maintain a sense of perpetual motion throughout the movie.

As a fan, I can tell you that Jardin doesn’t just play with styles randomly. Instead, he employs style to enhance the content, and this is particularly evident in the graphic novel “It’s What’s Inside“. As the story becomes increasingly wild, so does the use of color, which serves as a powerful tool for visual storytelling.

This film isn’t subtle at all and might be too intense for some viewers. The scenes often cut off in the middle of conversations, and as it progresses, there’s an electrifying, frenetic pace that keeps you hooked. It complements the narrative beautifully, reaching a climax where style and storyline come together inventively and humorously.

This movie possesses a unique charm that many Netflix original productions seem to miss, and its unexpected plot twists will leave you yearning for the theater experience with a lively audience. It’s significant to mention that unlike most Netflix originals, this film was acquired at Sundance instead of being produced by them, making it stand out in the streaming service’s catalog.

It's What's Inside review: A clever, enthralling and must-see Netflix thriller

The entire cast, consisting of Brittany O’Grady, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and Gavin Leatherwood, is simply outstanding, making it difficult to highlight individual excellence. It’s a collective masterpiece where each actor contributes significantly, particularly as the party game intensifies – details we won’t reveal to avoid spoilers.

To fully follow along with the storyline, it’s not just about the visual narrative, but also the nuances in acting that unfold throughout the game. Unlike when watching Netflix where your focus might drift towards your phone, here you won’t be tempted to do so because you realize that a crucial line of dialogue or an important facial expression could serve as a key clue, and you wouldn’t want to miss them.

If Jardin’s detailed and witty script is subject to any criticism, it might be that it doesn’t leave much room for viewers’ imagination. In particular, the ending, or coda, could have benefited from a touch of ambiguity instead of being so clearly explained as the movie reveals its final twist, which could have made it even more intriguing.

It's What's Inside review: A clever, enthralling and must-see Netflix thriller

Despite a small flaw, the overall experience of “It’s What’s Inside” is captivating and full of unexpected twists. It skillfully combines elements to both thrill and terrify, as well as bring delight, all while exploring contemporary topics such as doomscrolling and consent in original and thought-provoking ways.

2022 has been a fantastic year for genre flicks, from “Strange Darling” to “Late Night with the Devil,” and plenty more in between. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, you won’t want to skip “It’s What’s Inside.” This movie is packed with originality that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat!

It's What's Inside review: A clever, enthralling and must-see Netflix thriller

It’s What’s Inside is released on Netflix on October 4.

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2024-10-02 09:49

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