IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE

A group of self-obsessed, sycophantic twenty-something-year-olds get together to play a deadly game. Sound familiar? IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE attempts to achieve the charisma of other iconic horror comedies like BODIES BODIES BODIES, and while it does not necessarily achieve the same charm, its’ premise and tone are entertaining enough to merit a watch, especially with a run-time of just over an hour-and-a-half. 

The concept of IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE is silly yet thought-provoking, a difficult but necessary dichotomy to achieve for a satire such as this. The psycho-technological gimmick (swapping bodies) that drives the plot is simple enough to understand and blends seamlessly with the editing, special effects, and set design. The visual experience is gratifying and thrilling, similar to TALK TO ME and MALIGNANT.

The “swapping bodies” trope also works synchronously with the film’s message. Where BODIES BODIES BODIES preys on pure human incompetence, IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE critiques the modern mix of crushing self-criticism and complete lack of self-awareness. Like the former, it works scarily well. 

In a horror-comedy, an energetic scene-stealer is a must. With BODIES BODIES BODIES, it was Rachel Sennott, and in IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE, Alycia Debnam-Carey delivers a riotous performance as Nikki, the gorgeous, out-of-touch, Instagram influencer. 

The characters are one-dimensional. The tropes are cheesy. The dialogue is not particularly hilarious. The deaths are not particularly horrifying. And yet, key production design, casting, and writing choices keep IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE amusing and true to its satirical nature. 

If you overthink about it or look too closely, you will start to see its flaws. But, the satisfaction of this film comes from its experience rather than its content, working as a wonderful example that sometimes IT’S not WHAT’S INSIDE. 

Experience IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE with a group of your funniest friends whenever on Netflix.