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It's What's Inside - A Psychological Thriller That Just Misses the Mark

It’s What’s Inside, the 2024 cinematic cornerstone (or pitfall) brought to you by the innovative Greg Jardin. With a cast that reads like a “who’s who” of talented up-and-comers—Brittany O’Grady, Gavin Leatherwood, and a few others I may forget as soon as the credits roll—you might think I was in for a treat.

Set up as a science fiction comedy horror, I had my popcorn ready for a wild ride. Tossing aside my expectations, I wondered: could this film magically elevate itself into the world of good cinema, or would I be graced with another mediocre mishmash that leaves me questioning my life choices?

Plot Twists and Twirls of Confusion

The brilliance of It’s What’s Inside lies in its premise: a group of friends gathers for a delightful party. How original. And yet, in a plot twist that might excite a toddler, they decide to swap bodies using a suitcase full of unpredictable hijinks. Who wouldn’t want to play a game that turns murder into escapable hilarity? Because nothing says "fun" like using a sci-fi contraption to explore how poorly you understand your friends.

Now, what could go wrong? Oh, just the crushing weight of a roof collapsing, leading to a couple of deaths. Naturally, this prompts a heated debate among friends about who gets to call the police on the very event they watched crush their friends. Talk about a party foul! And just when I thought the film couldn’t possibly get more convoluted, it throws in more twists than a pretzel factory at the end. By the time I reached the climax, I was left scratching my head and wondering, “Who are these people again?”

The Cast: Award-Worthy Mediocrity

If there was an award for “Most Entertaining Yet Shallow Characters,” this cast would certainly take home the trophy... for participation. Brittany O'Grady gives it her all as Shelby, looking genuinely invested in a character who’s so relatable it’s almost laughable. The rest? A parade of forgettable avatars with barely any depth. James Morosini as Cyrus flounders around in body-swapped anguish, trying desperately to keep the audience engaged, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. In the grand scheme of things, he was the king of a very small hill.

The chemistry was about as strong as a soggy paper towel, with interactions that felt more like obligatory dialogues pulled from a hat of clichés. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I couldn’t find a single character that didn’t come across like a paper-thin caricature. Watching these talented actors flail without a well-written purpose was like watching an episode of a reality show—entertaining, but not for any of the reasons you’d hope.

A Directorial Vision of... Confusion?

Greg Jardin might just be a visionary—if that vision were clouded by a foggy window. Sure, he has moments of brilliance with his stylistic choices and creative camera shifts, but let’s be real: that’s just icing on a rather stale cake. The movie attempts quirky vibes, like a hipster café trying hard to be trendy but instead landing in the awkward zone of desperation.

Half the time I felt Jardin was more focused on clever shots rather than coherent storytelling. With its whimsical swings between dark humor and forced quirkiness, I couldn't help but wonder who this film was truly for. Was I meant to laugh or squirm? Did he know? It’s a real mystery—one that would make a great sequel to this very confusing film.

Script and Dialogue: An Exercise in Eye-Rolling

The screenplay? Let’s just say it’s a delightful tapestry of missed opportunities, boasting a mix of everything from snappy one-liners trapped between cringeworthy clichés. Imagine dial-up poetry reading while trying to maintain a coherent conversation—you’ll tap into the essence of It’s What’s Inside dialogue. There are moments I genuinely chuckled, only to be abruptly reminded that I was, in fact, watching a film that seemingly forgot how to write conversations. I can only wonder who thought “This sounds totally natural” was a worthwhile approach when penning the script. Pacing issues? Absolutely! It’s just jarring enough to keep you on your toes… or rolling your eyes.

Twisted Themes: A Comic Hit or Miss

Dare I say this film wanted to explore themes like identity and consequence? It may have shot for something profound but instead hit a wall of hollow humor. The exploration of self-perception and the perspective of others is buried under the chaotic antics of body-swapping, leaving profound reflections in the dust.

Emotionally, the film missed the mark more than I missed my last Netflix binge. I was hoping for the poignant delivery of an important message, but all I got were shallow antics punctuated by characters who seem to be puppets on strings, yanking at whatever you might find amusing. Recommendations? If you crave something with depth and humor, go watch Freaky Friday, Being John Malkovich, or The Change-Up. Good luck finding the substance here!

Genre Confusion: A Chameleon in Trouble

The film attempts to be a psychological thriller, but ends up being an awkward blend that leads nobody home. It wobbles between “quirky comedy” and “darkly comic horror,” leading to a confusing mood that left me unsure whether to laugh, cry, or potentially fling my remote across the room.

In the end, it’s yet another example of how a movie can overreach its grasp. Jardin might find success by tightening that narrative rope and focusing on the characters’ lives instead of relying on every possible twist under the sun, lest they tumble off into oblivion.

Conclusion: A Party Worthy of Snark

Ultimately, It’s What’s Inside lands firmly in that swimming pool of mediocrity, floating along with a couple of entertaining moments but drowning in confusion and frustration. I closed out my viewing experience feeling like I’d just attended a party where I had the fun but wound up deeply regretting the decisions leading up to it.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to witness a quirky film that might keep you guessing through its absurdities, then by all means, dive into It’s What’s Inside—just brace yourself for the overwhelming mediocrity. You might get a laugh or two, albeit at the expense of creative storytelling. Here’s to hoping that Jardin’s next outing embraces clarity over chaotic confusion.

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