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Netflix used to be where they’d debut weaker movies that were never going to be good enough to get released in cinemas; one of the first streaming services to take over from the old straight to DVD launch strategy. Then over time it became a prestige studio, funding and distributing highly anticipated work from reputed filmmakers. Now, while it is still both of those things, it is also the place that brilliant mid budget movies with little pedigree come out with no fanfare, ready to find the audience they deserve through word of mouth. 

They did this with the brilliant Rebel Ridge last month, a film that picked up on familiar cinematic and genre conventions and made them feel fresh and exciting, and now It’s What’s Inside that does the same. If I’m honest, that’s a bit of a clumsy title but it’s the only thing about this film that isn’t neatly presented and masterfully calibrated. Coming from writer/director Greg Jardin who is a man you are certain to have never heard of, and with a cast of people you might have seen in various TV shows but won’t be able to place, this is a another great movie and one I strongly urge you seek out.

As you might have guessed from the name, this is a body swap story. The last time Netflix gave us one of these it was Family Switch, which definitely fits into that initial category of the studio’s output. This one though takes what in other hands has been a tired idea and almost reinvents it. First off the method of mind exchange is tied into the plot rather than being just there to set things in motion. I won’t say how it works but it’s better than fairground wish machines, magic fortune cookies and cursed skulls. The other angle is that this time there are eight people interchanging rather than just two.

This lends itself to a tense drama where old college friends are forced to confront their identities and past relationships with one another, alongside their personal truths and other’s opinions. The narrative mixes genuine drama with easy humour and precise characterisation to great effect. Where the repeated switch ups could make things confusing, the film is really skilled in how it allows you to follow who is who and the tight pace is kept up from beginning to end. The coda itself is also satisfying. 

I hope this movies serves as a springboard for all involved as there is real skill here, in the scripting, shooting and performances. If there’s any justice this will follow Short Term 12 as a low key movie that starts off a range of careers. If it is going to avoid the fate of 2013’s Coherence though, a superb sci-fi that didn’t lead to future success for all involved as it should have, then it needs to be seen and talked about. Hopefully I’ve said enough. Trust me, watch it and pass it on.