Spooky Season 2024: It’s What’s Inside Review

It’s What’s Inside premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by Netflix for $17 million in the largest deal made at this year’s festival. It follows a group of friends who gather at a mansion for a pre-wedding party that descends into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a mysterious game that awakens long hidden secrets, desires, and grudges. Definitely a film that should be on everyone’s radars, it is best going in without reading anything about it or watching a trailer. Audiences who go into the film blind will be treated to a truly wild ride.

Boasting a unique premise that is perfectly executed, it is full of inventive moments over the course of the film. A fairly unpredictable film, it is one that goes in several wild and unexpected directions that audiences won’t see coming. Also, a slow burn, it takes its time setting up its story, characters, and setting, but all that set-up works pays off in spades come its more chaotic and unhinged second half. The feature directorial debut of Greg Jardin, he displays so much confidence as a director as he gives the film a unique style while keeping it absolutely electrifying throughout. Meanwhile, on the technical side, it puts other Netflix originals to absolute shame with its editing, pacing, and score.

The film is sure to play with the heads of audiences but it also offers commentary on dating, social media, and friendship that doesn’t feel forced or heavy handed in perfectly complimenting the story. A terrific ensemble fits each of their characters perfectly, making the most out of what they’re given to work with and showing off a lot of range. That being said, the two standouts were definitely James Morosini and David Thompson as Cyrus and Forbes. Given the most to do, they are clearly having a lot of fun playing their characters. The closest the film has to an actual lead is definitely Brittany O’Grady as Shelby. With Shelby, O’Grady proves how talented she is while creating an instantly emotional connection with audiences from the start.

Easily ranking among the better horror/comedy/thrillers of the year, it was not without some minor issues that ultimately hold it back ever so slightly. Eventually, the film becomes a tad repetitive and there with a few scenes that could have been shortened or trimmed altogether without affecting it in a major way. It also loses a bit of steam in the final act but in spite of this, it finds a way to end on a high note and stick the landing. While not as much of a flaw, more so a genuine concern, it will be interesting to see what kind of replay value it finds beyond the first viewing as its surprise factor dissipates. Also, for sickos looking for an edgier watch, they may find themselves disappointed as there are times where they will wish that the film had taken things just a bit further.

In the end, the film is definitely one to watch with a bunch of friends this Halloween season as it will only heighten the experience. It is best not to say to much, if only to not risk revealing anything that may be considered a spoiler, but It’s What’s Inside is one that audiences should check out this weekend. However, go into it knowing as little as possible. It would also make for an absolutely killer double feature with Bodies Bodies Bodies as they share quite a lot in common.

 still courtesy of Netflix

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Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/