In a year filled with great horror movies, Netflix’s new hit It’s What’s Inside stands out as one of the best films of 2024. This movie has received praise from both critics and audiences. It combines elements of science fiction, horror, and comedy, creating a unique experience.
This film is about body swapping, where a group of friends comes together for a pre-wedding party. During the party, an old college friend introduces them to a new out-of-body game. The film captures how this game brings to the surface old memories and resentments that each character has from their college days.
The movie makes it clear that everyone has a lot to lose if someone decides to stay inside their body. Alycia Debnam-Carey, who plays Nikki, mentioned that this aspect of the story makes her character compelling to watch.
The Premise of It’s What’s Inside
The story begins with a group of friends who have gathered for a pre-wedding celebration. This gathering is a time for fun and reconnecting. However, things take a strange turn when they decide to play an out-of-body game introduced by their college friend.
This game allows them to swap bodies, leading to unexpected consequences. Each character experiences what it is like to be in someone else’s body, and this experience brings out deep-seated emotions and issues.
The film’s strength lies in its well-developed characters. Each friend has unique memories and grudges from their college years that surface during the game. This body-swapping element creates a mix of humor and horror as the friends confront their past and each other.
The character of Nikki is particularly interesting because she is a social media influencer. Her character is not just self-absorbed; she is also clever and knows how to build her business. This complexity makes her journey through the body-swapping game even more engaging.
Characterization and Relationships
During an interview with Perri Nemiroff for Collider Ladies Night, Alycia Debnam-Carey shared insights about her character Nikki and the film’s writing. She explained how the screenplay by Greg Jardin adds depth to Nikki and the other characters. At first, Nikki appears to be a self-centered influencer. However, as the story unfolds, her relationships with the other characters reveal much more.
Nikki has a complicated history with her friends. Cyrus, played by James Morosini, has had a crush on her since their college days. This creates tension, especially with his girlfriend, Shelby, portrayed by Brittany O’Grady. Shelby is jealous of Nikki’s looks and status.
Additionally, there is Dennis, played by Gavin Leatherwood, who used to date Nikki. Their past relationship ties her to a painful incident that caused their friend Forbes, played by David W. Thompson, to be expelled from school. This incident also affected Forbes’ sister, Beatrice, portrayed by Madison Davenport, who ended up in a mental hospital.
These character dynamics add layers of complexity to the film. The relationships are not just surface-level; they are steeped in history and unresolved feelings. When the characters swap bodies, they not only confront each other but also face their past selves. This creates opportunities for growth and understanding among them.
The Stakes for Nikki
From Alycia Debnam-Carey’s perspective, Nikki’s character is compelling because she understands the stakes involved in the body-swapping game. As a successful social media influencer, her body is her most valuable asset.
She has built a brand around her image, and the horror of losing that can be devastating. If someone envious of her or resentful of her success were to take over her body, they could destroy everything she has worked for. This makes her a vulnerable character in a situation where anything can happen.
Debnam-Carey emphasized the importance of her castmates in shaping Nikki’s character. The group had five days of rehearsal before filming, allowing them to develop distinct characteristics for each character. This preparation helped create a believable and engaging dynamic among the friends.
For Nikki, the initial perception of her as a narcissistic influencer becomes more nuanced as the story progresses. She understands the pressures and expectations placed on women, especially in the social media world.
Addressing Societal Issues
Nikki’s character also serves as a way to show larger societal themes. According to Debnam-Carey, the body-swapping concept allows the film to address issues like the objectification of women and the unrealistic beauty standards pushed by social media.
Nikki’s appearance is a reflection of these standards, and other characters, like Shelby and Cyrus, are shown to covet her looks. This jealousy and desire highlight the pressure women face to conform to certain ideals.
As the friends play the game, they use Nikki’s body as an object, and this objectification becomes more pronounced as the night goes on. The film builds to a dramatic twist ending, leaving audiences with a lot to think about. Debnam-Carey noted that these themes make It’s What’s Inside a more substantial film. It is not just a fun ride; it has depth and layers that can be examined further upon repeated viewings.
Debnam-Carey shared her thoughts on the filming process, recalling moments when the cast discussed the implications of who wants to be in Nikki’s body.
The questions arose about who desires her, who hates her, and who wishes to control her. These discussions reveal how Nikki represents various societal expectations and challenges. The film encourages viewers to reflect on these themes while enjoying the story.
The Fun and Horror of Body Swapping
The body-swapping game introduces a blend of fun and horror. The humor arises from the awkward situations the friends find themselves in as they face life in each other’s bodies. The audience gets to witness their reactions and struggles, providing plenty of laughs along the way.
However, the horror comes from the fear of losing one’s identity and autonomy. As the friends take turns inhabiting each other’s bodies, they face the reality of their relationships and the baggage that comes with them.
This mix of comedy and horror creates an engaging experience for viewers. It allows the film to show serious themes while still providing entertainment. The audience can laugh at the absurdity of the situations while also feeling the tension of the characters’ dilemmas.
Conclusion: A Movie Worth Watching
It’s What’s Inside is more than just a horror-comedy film; it is a thought-provoking scheme of identity, relationships, and societal expectations. The character of Nikki serves as a focal point for discussing the pressures women face in a social media-driven world.
Her journey through the body-swapping game is both entertaining and insightful, allowing the audience to reflect on their own experiences and societal norms.
With strong performances, particularly from Alycia Debnam-Carey, and a clever script, the film captures the complexities of friendship and personal growth.
The body-swapping concept adds a unique twist to the story, making it a standout entry in the horror genre. Whether you are a fan of horror, comedy, or thought-provoking cinema, It’s What’s Inside is definitely worth watching.
This film reminds us that there is much more beneath the surface of our relationships and identities. As we enjoy the wild ride that It’s What’s Inside offers, we are also encouraged to think critically about the themes it presents. The film invites viewers to watch it multiple times, as there are layers to uncover with each viewing.
