"It’s What’s Inside" delivers one of the most surprising conclusions in recent years

Streaming giant Netflix’s latest collection of releases has certainly had its hits and misses, mostly misses, if we're being honest. Safe to say, one of their latest offerings, It’s What’s Inside, delivers everything it needs to be a hit.

Despite using the familiar body-swapping trope, the story enthralls viewers from start to finish, packed with twists and turns at every step. Even though it's director and writer Greg Jardin’s first full-length feature, he pulls it off well enough to make it a triumph.

What Worked

The story, though simple, is masterfully told. There have been plenty of "Night Before the Wedding" films on streaming platforms recently but this one distinguishes itself with exceptional storytelling. The acting performances are top-notch. David W. Thompson as Forbes and James Morosini as Cyrus particularly shine with their borderline unhinged performances.

The ending catches one off guard—no one expects the outcome. This unpredictability is the sign of a great thriller. Despite a limited setting, likely due to the modest 2.5-million-dollar budget, the film excels, relying heavily on its story and performances.

What Didn’t Work

As brilliant as the story is, it could have been woven more clearly. I often found myself pausing to connect the dots hinted at on the screen. The dizzying cinematography and flashy colored lighting, throughout much of the film, heighten the confusion, blurring the line between reality and hallucination.

Verdict

Though the film has flaws, It’s What’s Inside presents a truly out-of-the-box narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For his feature debut, Greg Jardin directs with the confidence of a veteran, doing justice to the nuanced characters he has written.