Greg Jardin’s latest film, It’s What’s Inside, might seem like a horror flick at first glance.
This movie, which premieres on Netflix on October 4, has all the spooky elements: a dimly lit house and a group of young folks with secrets. However, Jardin clarifies to Colman Domingo that it’s actually a sci-fi thriller with humor.
The film delves into what Domingo calls “the horror of the soul” by exploring a body-swapping scenario.
A group of friends gather in a house and end up using a body-swapping machine, leading to chaotic existential experiences. Now, let’s dive deeper into the film’s intriguing details.
Plot of It’s What’s Inside
The story revolves around a pre-wedding party that turns nightmarish when a long-lost friend shows up with a mysterious suitcase. The guests include Shelby, her boyfriend Cyrus, influencer Nikki, groom Reuben, rich kid Dennis, artist Brooke, spiritual Maya, and the enigmatic Forbes.
Domingo: How would you describe your film quickly?
Jardin: Friends at a party, guy brings a suitcase, chaos ensues.
Domingo: The movie is funny and wild, especially with the dynamic between Shelby and Cyrus. I loved the script for these elements.
Fans love it when movies mix genres in unexpected ways.
Jardin: Yeah, the body-swapping concept lets us explore fake online intimacy, social media pressures, beauty standards, and how they stress relationships, especially for someone ignored by their partner like Shelby.
Anxiety Chic
Domingo: You called the movie “anxiety chic.” What does that mean?
Jardin: Shelby is very anxious, and we wanted the audience to feel her anxiety through jittery editing and music. It’s like visiting a haunted house — scary but fun.
Domingo: Who influenced you? Brian De Palma? Robert Altman?
Jardin: Definitely De Palma. We watched Blow Out before filming. Altman and Lynch are huge inspirations. I also admire Spike Jonze, Robert Eggers, and Emma Seligman.
Twists and Turns
Domingo: How did you keep track of all the twists?
Jardin: I made a Photoshop diagram of eight heads with names to keep track of who was in whose body.
Domingo: Let’s talk casting. Did the actors fit your vision or influence the characters?
Jardin: During rehearsals, I rewrote parts based on the actors’ improvisations. Their commitment shaped the characters.
Domingo: How did you cast some of them?
Jardin: Nina as Maya matched my vision perfectly. For Forbes, David Thompson’s unique quality stood out immediately. Alycia Debnam-Carey surprised me with her range, especially since I knew her from Fear the Walking Dead.
Domingo: You knew her from that show where she always had mud on her face.
Jardin: Yes, and her performance in this film blew me away. When people praise the cast, I think, “It’s all them!”
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Premiere Date
The body-swapping madness begins on October 4.
Creators Behind It’s What’s Inside
This marks Jardin’s directorial debut, backed by producers William Rosenfeld, Kate Andrews, Jason Baum, and Raúl Domingo. Executive producers include Ulf Ek, Robert Kapp, and Colman Domingo, who admired Jardin’s multifaceted skills.
“Greg’s talent as both an editor and director is impressive. He wrote the film and knew exactly how to bring his vision to life,” says Domingo.
Cast of It’s What’s Inside
The film features:
- Brittany O’Grady as Shelby
- James Morosini as Cyrus
- Alycia Debnam-Carey as Nikki
- Devon Terrell as Reuben
- Gavin Leatherwood as Dennis
- Reina Hardesty as Brooke
- Nina Bloomgarden as Maya
- David Thompson as Forbes
Stay tuned for more updates on It’s What’s Inside!