Daniel Knox
In the thrilling feature debut of writer/director Greg Jardin, It’s What’s Inside, dark secrets, simmering resentment, and hidden jealousy explosively come to the fore. A seemingly innocent pre-wedding reunion of old college friends quickly spirals into a mind-bending night of sci-fi comedy and horror, thanks to a mysterious suitcase and a new party game. Despite its occasional complexity, Jardin’s unique visual style and the film’s irreverent tone promise an unforgettable ride.
The film opens with college sweethearts Shelby (Brittany O’Grady) and Cyrus (James Morosini) humorously grappling with their relationship issues amidst a social media-obsessed culture. Their attempts to resolve their problems are interrupted by the impending wedding of their friend Reuben (Devon Terrell), who plans to celebrate his last night of bachelorhood in his mother’s eccentric mansion with his old party crew.
Joining the party are Instagram influencer Nikki (Alycia Debnam-Carey), new-age hippie Maya (Nina Bloomgarden), artist Brooke (Reina Hardesty), and troublemaker Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood). Just as the group starts to unwind, an unexpected guest, Forbes (David W. Thompson), arrives with a suitcase that promises to kick the party into overdrive.
Without revealing too much, the suitcase triggers a bizarre sci-fi adventure that leaves the friends questioning their identities and desires. As the night progresses, their relationships become increasingly complicated, leading to life-altering consequences.
Jardin masterfully captures the chaos with a relentless energy that mirrors the characters’ frenzied state. The dynamic camera work and rapid-fire dialogue not only enhance the film’s high-octane tone but also serve to navigate the complex plot. It’s What’s Inside is a vibrant mansion of oddities filled with eight flawed characters, each with their own secrets.
The film’s title refers not to Forbes’ mysterious suitcase but to the hidden depths of the characters themselves. As the sci-fi elements unfold, Jardin skillfully guides the audience through the intricate plot and visual cues, even as the interpersonal dramas threaten to overwhelm. The result is a visually stunning feature that draws you into its tangled web, despite the frustrating antics of its central characters.
The ensemble cast brilliantly blurs the lines between reality and illusion, preventing the ambitious concept from becoming too convoluted. However, the rapid pace of the plot and the self-absorbed nature of the characters may make it difficult for audiences to fully engage with the story. Despite this, It’s What’s Inside is a riotous journey filled with humor, vibrant colors, meticulous visual plotting, and an irreverent tone. While not all the pieces fit perfectly, Jardin’s ambitious debut is sure to captivate audiences with its creative setup and commitment to outrageous fun.
It’s What’s Inside premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Editor’s Note: This Sundance review was originally published on January 20, 2024.
