Movie Review: It’s What’s Inside – An Ambitious Thriller That Struggles to Deliver on Its Potential

Review by Guruji Sunil Chaudhary, Leading Digital Success Coach

Story:
A group of friends reunites for a pre-wedding celebration at a lavish, art-filled mansion, hoping for a night of laughter and rekindling old connections. However, the mood shifts dramatically with the arrival of an estranged friend, who shows up unannounced, carrying a mysterious suitcase. The suitcase contains a bizarre contraption capable of swapping bodies, transforming a casual party game into a nightmarish scenario where hidden motives, long-buried secrets, and unresolved conflicts come to the surface. As identities shift and secrets unravel, the group is forced to confront their pasts, leading them on a journey through existential turmoil and psychological suspense.

Review:
It’s What’s Inside starts on a high note, presenting a captivating premise that promises a unique psychological thriller filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The film dives straight into the action, with a bickering couple joining six of their closest friends to celebrate the upcoming wedding. The unexpected arrival of a long-lost friend holding a mysterious suitcase adds an air of mystery, sparking intrigue right from the start.

Inside the suitcase is a body-swapping device, adding a surreal twist to the night’s festivities. What begins as a quirky party game quickly descends into chaos as the guests are thrown into a series of identity swaps. As the evening unfolds, long-standing grudges, hidden desires, and dark secrets emerge, setting the stage for a tense and mind-bending narrative that teeters on the edge of reality and illusion.

However, while the film’s initial setup is intriguing, it struggles to maintain the momentum. The primary issue lies in the large ensemble cast, with characters introduced rapidly, leaving the audience with little time to form a meaningful connection with each one. As a result, the body-swapping sequences, which should have been the film’s key tension points, often feel confusing and disjointed. The constant identity changes make it difficult for the viewers to keep track of who’s inhabiting whose body, causing the narrative to lose its grip for nearly an hour.

It’s only in the second half that the film manages to regain its footing. A surprising plot twist provides a much-needed boost to the story’s pacing, offering moments of genuine tension and suspense. The latter half is more engaging, with tighter drama and fewer lulls, but the damage done by the meandering first half prevents the film from achieving its full potential. The story’s unique concept of using body-swapping as a metaphor for uncovering one’s true self is underexplored, missing the opportunity to delve deeper into the characters’ psyches and deliver a more compelling psychological thriller.

The film’s struggle to juggle the body-swapping trope alongside the old “friends-reunited” scenario is evident. While these are popular storytelling devices, It’s What’s Inside doesn’t bring enough originality to make them feel fresh or impactful. The decision to focus more on the central couple at the expense of the supporting cast leaves the ensemble feeling underutilized, and some characters appear out of place in the narrative. The inclusion of a stereotypical “selfish influencer” character, for instance, seems like a half-hearted attempt to appeal to millennial audiences, rather than adding genuine depth to the story.

On the positive side, the production values are commendable, with the setting of the mansion providing an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the film’s mood. A few standout performances help elevate certain scenes, even if the script doesn’t always support the actors’ efforts. However, choices in makeup and costuming, particularly the use of noticeably poor wigs, can be distracting and detract from the film’s overall quality.

Conclusion:
It’s What’s Inside presents a promising premise and a few thought-provoking moments but falls short in execution. Its ambition is admirable, yet the film struggles to balance its complex themes with character development, resulting in a thriller that feels more chaotic than captivating. While it offers enough drama to keep mystery fans engaged, it remains a one-time watch that doesn’t quite reach the heights of its potential. For those seeking a mind-bending thriller, it may suffice, but the narrative inconsistencies make it less satisfying than expected.

Rating: ★★★ (3/5)