Netflix has made the biggest buy so far at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, acquiring worldwide rights to the horror film “It’s What’s Inside” for $17 million. The buzzy film has garnered great reviews and generated significant interest from buyers.
Overview of “It’s What’s Inside”
“It’s What’s Inside” is a horror film with comedic elements written and directed by Greg Jardin. It follows a group of former college friends who reunite at a remote cabin 10 years after graduation. However, their reunion takes a twisted turn as the friends start experiencing horrifying visions and are forced to confront figments from their past.
The film stars James Wolk, AnnaSophia Robb, Thomas Mann, and Alexandra Daddario. It features impressive practical effects and makeup that lend an eerie atmosphere to the film.
Early reviews out of Sundance have praised the film as a gripping, genre-bending thrill ride. Critics highlighted the strong performances, witty dialogue, and Jardin’s skilled direction in ratcheting up tension.
Netflix’s Blockbuster Acquisition
Netflix emerged victorious from a heated bidding war for “It’s What’s Inside,” with the final price reaching $17 million. The previous Sundance record was set by “Palm Springs” in 2020 which sold for $17.5 million. However, the deal for “It’s What’s Inside” does not include a theatrical release commitment.
“We are over the moon about Netflix’s passion for the film, and the deal is a perfect match for what we were seeking,” said director Greg Jardin.
The record-breaking deal indicates that Netflix sees strong potential in the buzzy Sundance entry. Netflix will likely position “It’s What’s Inside” as a major title on its service leading up to Halloween later this year.
What Critics are Saying
Critics assert that “It’s What’s Inside” brings creativity and wit to the horror genre while still delivering chilling scares:
“It’s What’s Inside breathes new life into some familiar horror tropes with imaginative twists and fully realized characters” – Variety
“The script keeps you guessing, doubling down on tension before puncturing it with a morbid punchline” – Hollywood Reporter
The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 91% critics rating. Critics have praised the complex, multidimensional characters and offbeat story that keeps viewers gripped till the very end.
Outlook for “It’s What’s Inside” and Netflix
With its sizable Sundance pickup, Netflix seems primed to capitalize on “It’s What’s Inside” as its next horror breakout hit. Netflix has found major success in recent years with horror releases like “Bird Box,” “Fear Street,” and “The Perfection.”
“It’s What’s Inside” has the potential to join the ranks of Netflix’s most popular horror originals. Its hybrid appeal spanning multiple genres could attract a wide audience on the streaming platform.
Some key future outlooks:
- Netflix will likely give “It’s What’s Inside” a prime October release date to build Halloween hype.
- Strong word-of-mouth and critical buzz could fuel interest ahead of its Netflix debut.
- The film could tap into nostalgia for horror-comedies like “Scream” and “The Cabin in the Woods.”
- If successful, the film could launch a new horror franchise with sequels or a spinoff TV series.
With suspense, gore, and wit, “It’s What’s Inside” shapes up as exactly the type of slick, crowd-pleasing horror content Netflix craves. The streaming giant will hope its record Sundance bet pays off with a new hit horror IP.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
