Sundance Film Festival 2024 Review – We’ve heard the trite saying before, but writer-director Greg Jardin takes things to absurd extremes in the brilliant new film It’s What’s Inside. Here a group of anxious twentysomethings converge on a mansion resulting in a catastrophic existential outcome for everyone. It’s not what you think. No, it’s not that either. Jardin crafts a hilarious mind-bender/ sci-fi horror farce that had me smiling ear-to-ear as I left the theatre.

The film opens with a super-cringe argument between Shelby (Brittany O’Grady) and her boyfriend Cyrus (James Morosini). Despite their better judgment they maintain their plans and head to a pre-wedding celebration for Reuben (Devon Terrell) at the mansion that he inherited from his mother. As Shelby and Cyrus enter the home they are greeted by host Reuben and their collection of college friends. The sordid bunch includes Nikki the social media influencer (Alycia Debnam-Carey), Brooke the artist (Reina Hardesty), Dennis the trust fund bro (Gavin Leatherwood), and Maya the ethereal new ager (Nina Bloomgarden).

Once everyone learns that Reuben also invited Forbes (David Thompson), the gossip mill begins to churn. We learn that the nerdy Forbes was essentially ousted from the group after a college party gone horribly wrong. After being kicked out of college, Forbes went west and got work in tech, never to be heard from again. That is, until Reuben invites him to the reception/reunion. Forbes does arrive and begins to soothe the tension with his trademark humor. Ever the gamer, Forbes presents a strange suitcase and suggests a game that he brought along.

As the night progresses, alliances are challenged, sides are taken and no one knows whose side they are on. I honestly don’t know how writer Jardin slept at night as he developed the story and screenplay for this every-twisting thriller mystery that could only have been conceived by a maniacal mind.

Kevin Fletcher‘s brilliant photography accentuates the madcap comedy with fluid moves while Jardin‘s editing pops with a piquant punch exuding the same biting wit as his script and direction.

Credit must also be handed to the phenomenally talented cast of actors. Each brings a comic A-game. While all were notable for their contribution, it was Thompson for me who took things to another level his shifty eyes, Cheshire grin, and versatility were impressive and, frankly, a little scary. Props must also go to O’Grady for her Kailing-esque delivery and nuanced moments.

Full disclosure, I am a sucker for farce and It’s What’s Inside delivers hard. But what makes it great is that everyone from cast and crew delivers so hard. This is one of those movies that demands you keep up with every serpentine progression in the plot. This one will require multiple viewings.

My adamant advice here is this. If you like horror, if you like thrillers or mysteries, if you like a splash of gore in your comedy, or if high-concept is your thing, see It’s What’s Inside when it is released. Go in cold and avoid trailers. I had a criminal amount of fun watching this ingenious movie and believe that it’s the first great horror-comedy of 2024.

8 Out of 10