Netflix set the bar hight with its latest Sundance acquisition, the thriller ‘It’s What’s Inside’. The streaming giant has shelled out a whopping $17 million for worldwide rights, setting a high bar for festival acquisitions this year. This deal follows another significant purchase at Sundance, where Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut ‘A Real Pain’ was sold to Searchlight for $10 million.
Directed and written by Greg Jardin, ‘It’s What’s Inside’ quickly became one of the most buzzworthy titles at Sundance. The film’s storyline is intriguing and shrouded in mystery: a pre-wedding party descends into chaos and an existential nightmare following the arrival of an estranged friend with a mysterious suitcase.
The movie boasts an impressive cast, including Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Devon Terrell, Gavin Leatherwood, Reina Hardesty, Nina Bloomgarden, and David Thompson. ‘It’s What’s Inside’ is a collaborative effort produced by Such Content, Edith Productions, and Boldly Go. The team behind the film comprises producers William Rosenfeld, Kate Andrews, Jason Baum, and Raul Domingo, with Colman Domingo and Robert Kapp serving as executive producers.
The film premiered in the Midnight Section at The Ray Theatre on January 19 and has since garnered attention for its unique approach and entertaining qualities. Critic Meagan Navarro from BD, who described the film as a twisty funhouse of Sci-Fi Comedy-Horrors, commended the film for its irreverent tone and Jardin’s impactful visual style, derived from his background in music videos. Despite some narrative complexities, Navarro highlights the film’s ability to captivate and entertain, labeling it as a twisty puzzle box that demands attention. The ensemble’s performance in portraying intentionally insufferable characters adds a layer of humor and fun to the movie, making it an enjoyable experience.