It's What's Inside (2024)

It's What's Inside is an exciting piece feature debut from writer/Director Greg Jardin who has done mostly TV promos, shorts, and music videos. Sure the premise is fun and the cast does a great job inhabiting their multiple characters, but what really grabbed me here was the way Jardin tells his story, uses the visual medium to enhance the narrative, and generally make for a very fun watch. This is the sort of film that is likely best to watch so stop reading here and just go watch if you don't want to be spoiled. I have a few nitpicks but they aren't really important. Just know you'll be in for a fun time and some really clever ways of making a movie work. 

Okay now that spoilers are warned, I will say I really appreciated how the film visually handles its body swapping premise. I like that it doesn't get deep into the how details (as this usually ruins most sci fi that is based around some impossible technology). I thought Jardin's approach to showing us who is who was very effective, especially featuring a bunch of characters we just met played by mostly unknown actors who don't bring their own recognition baggage to the table for audiences to follow. I also appreciated how he he uses visual language so fluidly to really move his story along and get us invested. It was easy to submerse yourself and not to worry about any of the technical problems this story's gimmick generates. 

My main nitpick however was the film's traditional approach to gender. With the exception of the end (which is more of a dues ex machina problem) the characters never swap bodies into someone of another gender. The characters are all presented as straight and cis which is kind of boring in this day and age. The film seems to want to avoid any exploration of gender switching or dysphoria which is too bad because that could have made it far more interesting. Even when the final twist is revealed, the gender isn't really relevant to the switch not is it explored at all. There is some discussion of some implications from ethnic and cultural swaps but this is mostly handled off handed in rather stereotypical ways, played mostly for laughs. All of this avoidance of some of the more interesting implications of the plot was a bit disappointing in a film that handles its story so well otherwise. 

Still, that is my main problem with a film that otherwise is strong and really fun. It's the sort of film whose twists and turns make you want to watch it again knowing what you now know. Sure I felt there were somethings missing but it still resonated. It also makes me excited to see what Jardin will do next. 

It's What's Inside

Starring: Brittany O'Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, David W. Thompson, Madison Davenport
Writer/Director: Greg Jardin