By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com
On a rainy day in Macha, Athi River, my friends and I decided to unwind like the good ol’ days. We gathered around, sprawled out on the couch and carpets of my parents’ house, beers in hand, as we prepared to dive into a Netflix film. Our choices were abundant, but one stood out: It’s What’s Inside. A recommendation from a friend with a knack for suggesting Romance films, this one promised both suspense and laughs, two things that are essential for a perfect movie night.
As a film enthusiast and former student of film and animation, I often find myself reflecting on the nuances of the films I watch, especially when they bring a fresh twist to old genres. It’s What’s Inside, written and directed by Greg Jardin, is one of those films that blends sci-fi, thriller, and dark comedy in a unique way. The premise centres around a group of college friends reuniting for a pre-wedding celebration, only for things to take a bizarre turn when they test out a body-swapping device.
The film kicks off with Shelby (Brittany O’Grady), an anxious woman whose insecurities about her relationship with Cyrus (James Morosini) are laid bare in an awkward role-play scenario. This sets the stage for the film’s exploration of self-image and manipulation. When the group of friends gets together at a lavish mansion, their estranged tech-savvy friend Forbes (David Thompson) arrives with a suitcase that promises to change everything. The device allows them to swap bodies, and what ensues is a mixture of comedy, horror, and existential chaos.
The film’s narrative is engaging, with moments that had us hooked, guessing who was who inside which body. The cinematography and editing were standout features. The film’s pacing was tight, using clever editing to heighten the tension and dark humour that comes from the confusion of body-swapping. I was particularly struck by the way the story explores themes of cheating, self-perception, and the manipulation of identities, all while keeping things grounded in a surreal, sci-fi premise.
As we huddled together, laughing and gasping at the wild twists, the social and ethical undertones of the film became clear. The body-switching concept didn’t just provide thrills; it offered a unique lens through which we could examine human behaviour. The way the characters acted when inside someone else’s body revealed their deepest insecurities, desires, and even their flaws. It’s a fascinating take on how our identity is often tied to external perceptions.
However, as much as the film grabbed our attention, there was one element that didn’t quite land as strongly as I’d hoped, the ending. While the movie built a gripping narrative, the final moments felt rushed and somewhat blunt. I had been anticipating a more thought-provoking conclusion, something with a punch that would elevate the film to the heights of the psychological thrillers I’ve come to love, like Black Mirror, Shutter Island, or Parasite. The narrative’s resolution, especially the twist involving Beatrice and her revenge, felt a bit underwhelming. A more complex or satisfying denouement would have been a fitting end to such a tense and intriguing story.
This slight letdown, though, didn’t detract from the overall experience. The movie’s strength lies in its exploration of human nature under extreme conditions, making us reflect on our own lives, how we sometimes wish to be someone else or struggle to understand the identities of those around us. It left me with a rekindled interest in psycho-dramas and thrillers, films that challenge our perceptions of reality and identity.
The movie also rekindled my love for genre-bending films, which tackle complex human issues through unexpected narratives. Films like Black Mirror, Love, Death & Robots, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and Shutter Island all explore human psychology in fascinating ways, and It’s What’s Inside fits comfortably within this genre. It provides a fresh perspective on the sci-fi thriller, blending humour with high-stakes drama.
As the film concluded, two questions echoed around the room: would you play such a game? And who was that?
It’s What’s Inside is a film that is well worth watching for its engaging concept, stellar cinematography, and insightful commentary on social issues like manipulation and self-image. The body-swapping premise offers plenty of humour and suspense, making it a fun movie for a rainy night with friends. However, the ending felt a bit too predictable and lacked the emotional depth that the film had been building up to.
If you haven’t yet watched It’s What’s Inside, now’s the time to do it. Grab your friends, make some popcorn, and dive into this wild ride that will have you questioning your own identity and the lengths you would go to escape it. Afterward, let’s discuss what could have made the ending stronger, and maybe dream up the next body-swapping psychological thriller ourselves. Who’s in?