'It's What's Inside'—what a peculiar title for a film that promises to blend comedy, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller! Directed by the talented Greg Jardin, this movie navigates the depths of friendship and secrecy in the most eccentric way possible. Welcome to my honest and gritty movie review where we dive headfirst into this cinematic enigma.
Picture this: a group of friends gathering for a pre-wedding bash that sounds like your typical rowdy night, right? But in steps an estranged friend with a game—think Jumanji meets Clue, only slightly more unsettling. What starts as light-hearted fun spirals into an existential nightmare of unlocking secrets, desires, and grudges. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion—except this one makes you laugh and squirm all at once!
Now, let's talk acting—because Brittany O'Grady and James Morosini really shine here. O'Grady plays the classic ‘cool girl’ with a hidden agenda effortlessly, making you root for her even when things get dark. Meanwhile, Morosini surprises us with his comedic timing and dramatic flair—reminds me a little of a younger Steve Carell. And kudos to Alycia Debnam-Carey for her enigmatic portrayal that keeps you guessing—she’s like a mystery wrapped in a puzzle box.
The direction by Greg Jardin is... well, it's a mixed bag. On one hand, he's nailed the awkward tensions of a ‘friends’ party with a thriller twist. On the other, some scenes dragged—leaving you scratching your head, wondering if they missed a page in the script. Visually, it’s a trip! Vivid colors meet dark undertones—a psychedelic dive into the core of friendship drama.
When you stack this against other genre-bending films—think 'The Cabin in the Woods' or 'Get Out'—'It's What's Inside' feels like it’s teetering on the edge of iconic and chaotic. These films know their themes well, blending horror and comedy with finesse. Although Jardin’s cinematic experiment takes inspiration from these iconoclasts, it sometimes lacks the finesse needed to deliver those hair-raising thrills consistently.
If you're in the mood for a bizarre blend of laughs and chills, 'It's What's Inside' might just fit the bill. Sure, it's rough around the edges, but if you love movies that keep you on your toes, entertain you with unexpected twists, and test your wits—you won't regret giving this a shot. So grab your popcorn, call your best friend, and dive into the quirky world of escapism and existential hilarity! Who knows, it might just awaken a few secrets within you too.