It’s What’s Inside Christian Review
Sometimes, a movie pops up that messes around with your expectations, catching you off guard in ways you didn’t even know you wanted. It’s What’s Inside, directed by Greg Jardin, is one of those films. It’s more than just a typical horror flick — it’s a ride that blends tension and laughter, thrills and confusion, until you’re not sure what you’re feeling. It’s witty, bold, and entertaining, but for those looking for a deeper message or meaning, it may end up feeling a bit hollow.
This movie doesn’t really do horror in the traditional sense. There’s no lumbering monster or vengeful ghost. Instead, it’s all about peeling back layers of identity, confronting uncomfortable truths, and playing a nerve-wracking game that tests how far people will go to protect their secrets. And yeah, sure, it’s got some eerie moments, but this one’s not aiming to keep you up all night trembling. The thrills are there to get you excited, not scared stiff. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that It’s What’s Inside is kind of in a genre of its own — somewhere between a psychological rollercoaster and a dark comedy.
A Game of Masks: Who Are You, Really?
At the heart of it all is a question: who are we really, deep down? Not who we pretend to be or who we wish we were, but who we actually are when nobody’s looking. Sounds heavy, right? And for a moment, you think the film might be gearing up for a profound exploration of these ideas. But it’s not quite that serious. The story starts with a group of friends diving into a seemingly harmless party game — you know, one of those things that’s supposed to be all about fun and laughs, until it isn’t. Slowly but surely, secrets start creeping out, truths start getting twisted, and suddenly, the characters are tangled up in a mess of their own making.
For a Christian audience, this setup immediately brings to mind verses about integrity and honesty — like Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” In theory, a story like this could delve into those themes, exploring the consequences of deception and the importance of being true to yourself and others. But It’s What’s Inside takes a different route. It’s more interested in the spectacle of unraveling its characters than in offering any kind of moral lesson. By the end, you’re left with a sense that you’ve watched people’s facades crumble, but there’s no resolution — no redemption. It’s all just chaos and confusion.
Laughing Through the Darkness: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
One thing this movie does do well is blend humor with tension. It’s packed with moments where you can’t help but chuckle, even as you’re wincing at the escalating stakes. The dialogue is snappy, the characters bounce off each other in ways that feel genuine, and there’s this underlying sense of absurdity that keeps things from ever getting too grim. It’s a balancing act, for sure. Too much humor, and the tension falls flat. Too little, and it becomes another bleak horror film that leaves you depressed. It’s What’s Inside manages to keep that balance, keeping you entertained even as it pulls the rug out from under you.
But here’s the thing: that constant back-and-forth between humor and horror can make it hard to take the movie seriously. You’re laughing one minute, then gripping your seat the next, and then back to laughing again. It’s like the movie’s playing a game of emotional ping-pong, and by the time it’s over, you’re not sure what you’re supposed to feel. Maybe that’s the point — maybe Jardin is trying to show us how messy emotions can get when we’re forced to confront who we are. But maybe it’s just the film trying to have its cake and eat it too, delivering scares without consequences and laughs without depth.
The Characters: Masks on Top of Masks
If there’s one area where the film falters, it’s in its characters. Each one seems to be built around a specific trait or flaw, almost like caricatures. There’s the overconfident leader who’s hiding something big, the insecure friend who’s always looking for validation, and the wildcard who can’t be trusted. The film strips them down, exposing their insecurities and fears, but we never really know these people. They’re masks on top of masks, hiding behind clever dialogue and sharp editing. By the end, they’re just as much a mystery as they were at the beginning.
From a faith-based perspective, this lack of depth is a real shame. Imagine if we’d seen real transformation, if the characters’ struggles had led to something more than just a big, messy breakdown. The Bible talks a lot about the importance of being honest with yourself and others — James 5:16 even says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” But here, the film’s focus is more on tearing people down than on building them back up. It’s like watching a bunch of dominos fall over without anyone ever trying to set them upright again.
Style Over Substance: The Thrill of the Ride
Now, I’d be lying if I said It’s What’s Inside wasn’t a joy to watch. From a purely technical standpoint, it’s a masterclass in keeping you on your toes. The camera work is slick, the editing is razor-sharp, and the pacing never lets up. Every scene feels deliberate, every shot carefully constructed to pull you further into the chaos. There’s a sense of energy and momentum that’s hard to ignore. The film’s style is its strongest suit, turning what could have been a run-of-the-mill thriller into something that’s genuinely engaging.
But — and this is a big “but” — all that style doesn’t add up to much when you get to the core of it. It’s like one of those big, flashy amusement park rides that leave you breathless, but when you get off, you realize you didn’t really go anywhere. There’s no deeper meaning, no lingering questions. Just a lot of adrenaline and spectacle. And for some, that might be enough. But for Christian viewers looking for something more substantial, it’s a bit like eating junk food: satisfying in the moment, but ultimately empty.
Final Thoughts: A Fun but Fleeting Experience
In the end, It’s What’s Inside is a movie that entertains, but doesn’t stick with you. It’s clever, it’s funny, and it’s got enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. But it’s also shallow, never really committing to the weightier themes it toys with. It’s a popcorn flick with a brain, but not much of a heart. And for Christians hoping for something more meaningful, it might feel a bit lacking.
I’d give it a 6 out of 10. If you’re in the mood for a slick, stylish ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to leave you with anything deeper than a thrill and a chuckle. Because, for all its cleverness and ambition, It’s What’s Inside never really gets past the surface. It’s exactly what it appears to be: a fun, frantic movie that’s more concerned with spinning you around than in leading you somewhere worth going.