Think of the dark sci-fi comedy film “It’s What’s Inside” on Netflix as a Freaky Friday, with more swapping bodies, drugs, sex and a load of millennial angst.
And the vibe is corrosive, not fiery. Instead of bringing the participants together warmly, this human switcheroo shatters their lives.
Writer-director Greg Jardine’s captivating — though sometimes difficult to follow — film is a wicked spin on a familiar story: A group of friends are spending a dramatic drunken evening in a large, stately home.
The host is Ruben (Devon Terrell), a lovable extrovert who has a wedding coming up in the morning and wants to enjoy his last night of freedom with his best friends.
So, she invites Cyrus (James Morosini) and Shelby (Brittany O’Grady), a sensual couple trying to spice up their relationship, to her mansion, which is half palace, half Pompidou museum. .
Also on the unlucky list are Nikki (Alicia Debnam-Carey), a worthless Instagram influencer, Dennis (Gavin Leatherwood), a man-child who owes his parents money, Maya (Nina Bloomgarden), a free spirit who’s burning out. Moves in with Rishi, and Brooke (Reena Hardesty), an artist.
But when Forbes (David Thompson) arrives things get really wild. A nerd who fell out of touch with the group after an infamous party in college reveals to the surprised guest that he brought “a game” in his suitcase.
However, it’s not Shoots and Ladders or Apples to Apples. Forbes tells everyone to stick two electrodes to their temples – red flag! – And after doing so, they discover that their minds have transferred into each other’s bodies.
The brain transfer is thanks to a device that, Forbes says, he spent five years developing with a mysterious “team.”
At first the friends are horrified – like lab rats in a dangerous experiment – yet they quickly become intoxicated by the strange sensation of living in someone’s skin. And thus begins a delightful competition to find out who is who.
Yes, that’s right. With a snap of the fingers, it becomes a golden opportunity for thirtysomethings to lie, force and sleep with their crush.
Jardine’s concept is a devilishly clever one. The Millennial generation has become obsessed with how they are viewed – online and in person – and adopting entirely new faces coupled with anonymity brings out the beast within them. Suddenly, they can do whatever they want without fear of consequences… or so they think.
Insecurities, jealousy and resentment come to a boil.
I wish his satire included more memorable characters. While the equally terrible millennium sendup “Search Party” took vicious aim at recognizable tropes, this pack makes the impact as a tight ensemble rather than compelling individuals.
This is partly why when one reveler gets into another’s body, it can be confusing to keep track of who’s who at any given time.
Perhaps Jardine meant for the audience to be as mixed as the participants, but the tension subsided whenever I had to piece together a complex puzzle.
However, it has plenty of tasty shocks and nice twists. I should have anticipated the climax. Instead, my jaw hit the floor.
Netflix picked up “It’s What’s Inside” at Sundance for $17 million, and it’s the most entertaining movie the streamer has put out in a while. A welcome dose of shock therapy.
