A mind bending party game among friends turns ugly in Netflix’s new original, It’s What’s Inside. This movie will send you on a twisty head trip that’ll have your brain working overtime, trying to keep track of who’s who.
Think Bodies Bodies Bodies meets Freaky Friday, and that’ll give you a basic idea of what you’re in for. This is not a “throw it on in the background while you’re on your phone” kind of movie, because it requires your constant attention. This is not two people switching bodies - it’s several, swapping more than once. Your hand isn’t going to be constantly held as you’re thrown into this trippy endeavour, although if you’re paying attention, the film does a good job keeping track.
The kinetic editing will intentionally disorient you, as if you’ve been cast into these characters’ headspace. It’s confusing, but that’s part of the fun. The use of colour, camera movement and various visual techniques ensures the swapping doesn’t become frustrating. It’s overwhelmingly in-your-face, and borders on artistically unwieldy, but it fits the tone of the movie perfectly. It induces anxiety at the right times, especially once the party gets out of hand.
The characters are all given distinct personalities, complete with likeable and detestable traits. Envy, lust, jealousy and selfishness rear their heads more frequently as the game evolves, taking some unexpected turns along the way. This group of young actors deliver impressive performances, especially with capturing each other’s mannerisms once the swapping begins. Some of the most fun I had with this movie was watching for personally cues in certain characters before it was revealed whose body they’d taken control of.
It’s What’s Inside throws a lot at you, both visually and mentally, requiring your brain to be switched on and locked in. Not all of its party tricks are entirely successful, but this head trip of a movie is a fun and engaging watch - just so long as you pay close attention.
3.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett