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Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
5 Best Body Swap Movies to Watch After ‘Freakier Friday'
Body swaps never go out of style. Whether used for laughs, horror, or heart, there's something timeless (and chaotic) about stepping into someone else's shoes—literally. If you're still buzzing from the bonkers energy of Disney's latest film, 'Freakier Friday', here are five more films that twist, flip, and freak their way through the body swap genre. 1. 'It's What's Inside' (2024) A wedding-weekend reunion turns into a psychological nightmare in this razor-sharp body swap thriller. 'It's What's Inside' begins innocently enough. Like a frat party, seven college friends gather at a remote house to celebrate an upcoming wedding, catch up on old drama, and drink the kind of booze that makes you say too much. However, when an estranged former friend shows up carrying a strange suitcase and an even stranger party game, the night takes a deeply unsettling turn. The rules are simple. Use the device, swap bodies, guess who's who. What could go wrong? Plenty, it turns out. At first, the experiment feels like a bit of sci-fi novelty, even exciting. But beneath the surface of this high-concept setup is a simmering web of grudges, secrets, and long-buried resentments. As the group begins inhabiting each other's bodies, insecurities and betrayals spill out, and roles shift in disturbing ways. What begins as a party game quickly becomes a social deduction nightmare where no one is quite who they seem, and no one wants to go back. Stylish, claustrophobic, and emotionally brutal, 'It's What's Inside' turns the body swap trope into something darker and more psychologically complex. It's less about walking in someone else's shoes and more about what we're capable of when we think we've slipped the consequences of our own identity. With sharp performances and a twisty, paranoia-fueled script, this is one of the boldest and most original takes on body swapping in years. Probably one of the most mind-bending ones too! 2. 'Freaky' (2020) What do you get when you cross 'Freaky Friday' with a slasher flick? A bloody good time. In 'Freaky', high schooler Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton) swaps bodies with the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn), a hulking serial killer with a fondness for creative carnage. The magical culprit? An ancient dagger with a supernatural twist. Now Millie has 24 hours to stab her way back into her body, or risk staying in the Butcher's forever. The real genius of 'Freaky' is in how it plays with expectations. Vince Vaughn delivers a surprisingly delightful performance as a teenage girl trapped in a middle-aged killer's body, while Newton gets to unleash her inner monster with lip-glossed menace. It's self-aware, sharply written, and delivers gore with a wink, balancing slasher thrills with campy comedy and even a little heart. If you loved the identity chaos in 'Freakier Friday' but wished it had more table saw deaths and high school bloodbaths, then remove the day out of the title and make this your next must-watch. It's bold, ridiculous, and way more fun than it has any right to be. 3. 'Your Name' – 'Kimi no Na wa' (2016) If 'Freakier Friday' left you wondering what a body swap story could look like at its most beautiful and bittersweet, 'Your Name' is the answer. This anime phenomenon follows two teenagers—Tokyo boy Taki and small-town girl Mitsuha—who mysteriously begin waking up in each other's bodies. At first, it's confusing and chaotic (as all good body swaps are), but soon they learn to navigate each other's lives, leaving notes and messages to bridge the gap between them. But this isn't just a quirky comedy of mistaken identity. As their connection deepens, so does the mystery surrounding their sudden swaps, until a cosmic twist changes everything. What unfolds is an emotional journey that blends romance, fantasy, and time itself, anchored by stunning animation and a soaring score by RADWIMPS. It's funny, heartfelt, and full of longing, with moments that will quietly break your heart. 'Your Name' is the rare body swap film that goes beyond gimmick and into something transcendental. It asks what it means to truly know someone. How far would you go to find them again? Even if you're not usually into anime, this is one of those films that stays with you long after the final frame. For us, it sure brought us to tears. 4. 'Family Switch' (2023) If you thought one body swap was messy, try four. In this festive Netflix comedy, an entire family wakes up in each other's bodies after a cosmic mishap during a planetary alignment at the Griffith Observatory. Suddenly, parents Jess (Jennifer Garner) and Bill (Ed Helms) find themselves navigating the chaotic world of teenage crushes and soccer tryouts, while their kids CC (Emma Myers) and Wyatt (Brady Noon) are thrust into the awkward adult world of work presentations, lactose intolerance, and soul-sapping Zoom calls. 'Family Switch' is packed with slapstick hijinks and classic body swap misunderstandings. Yes, there's an ill-timed fart joke during a big client pitch. Nevertheless, there's also a sweet undercurrent about empathy and connection. As each family member stumbles (and occasionally triumphs) through someone else's responsibilities, they begin to understand just how much they've taken each other for granted. It's a warm-hearted reminder that walking in someone else's shoes, especially your own family's, can be a messy but meaningful journey. Sure, it's silly and a little chaotic, but that's part of the charm. 'Family Switch' wraps its body-swapping chaos in a big holiday bow, making it an easy pick for family movie night. If you're looking for something that blends feel-good lessons with freaky identity confusion, this one's for the team. 5. 'The Dude In Me' – 'Naeanui geunom' (2019) When a hardened gangster wakes up in the body of an awkward, bullied teenager, chaos is inevitable, but so is redemption. 'The Dude In Me' puts a uniquely Korean spin on the body swap genre, following Pan-soo, a slick mobster who unexpectedly finds himself trapped inside the soft, clumsy frame of high schooler Dong-hyun after a freak accident. Stuck in a world of homework, bullies, and cafeteria lunches, Pan-soo starts to shake up the school in ways no one sees coming. What starts as a fish-out-of-water comedy quickly deepens into something more heartfelt. As Pan-soo reshapes Dong-hyun's life, shedding weight, standing up to bullies, and uncovering secrets from his own past, he also reconnects with a lost love and discovers a daughter he never knew existed. It's part martial arts training montage, part second-chance family drama, all wrapped in a warm, crowd-pleasing package. With a charming mix of gangster swagger, teenage awkwardness, and surprising emotional weight, 'The Dude In Me' is one of the most refreshingly sincere entries in the body swap genre. It's funny, a little ridiculous, and totally heartwarming, a story about becoming a better man, even if it means doing it in someone else's skin. So, if you love chaotic identity swaps, pure hijinks, and the emotional confusion of people stuck in the wrong body, these movies will be right up your alley. And if you haven't already, catch 'Freakier Friday' in cinemas. And do check out the 2003 classic on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia too! With Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis returning to their iconic roles, get ready to get out, hey, and be taken away!
India.com
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Horror Movies Watchlist: 7 Gory Netflix Films That'll Leave You Scarred
photoDetails english 2935910 Updated:Jul 23, 2025, 09:33 PM IST Death Whisperer 2 1 / 7 Death Whisperer 2 follows students who uncover a dark secret at their school, awakening vengeful spirits with terrifying consequences. With eerie atmospheres and chilling twists, this sequel is a must-watch for horror fans. Sumala 2 / 7 Sumala is an Indonesian horror film directed by Rizal Mantovani, now streaming on Netflix. The story centers on an evil spirit seeking vengeance, returning to torment the town that wronged her sister. Inspired by a chilling urban legend, the film delves into themes of retribution and supernatural occurrences. A must watch film if you watch Gore horror. Grave Torture 3 / 7 Grave Torture is an Indonesian psychological horror film about Sita, a skeptic who investigates the supernatural torment of sinners after death. Her pursuit of the truth leads to terrifying revelations, blurring the line between belief and reality. Apostle 4 / 7 Set in 1905, a drifter embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his kidnapped sister from a sinister religious cult on a remote island. Blending horror, witchcraft, and suspense, this gripping tale unravels dark secrets and eerie rituals, making it a must-add to your watchlist. Veronica 5 / 7 Set in 1991 Madrid, a teenage girl conducts a séance at school, unknowingly inviting a sinister force into her home while caring for her younger siblings. As terrifying events unfold, she fights to protect her family from an unseen evil. Inspired by true events, this spine-chilling horror thriller is a must-add to your watchlist. It's What's Inside 6 / 7 It's What's Inside is a sci-fi horror comedy directed by Greg Jardin. A group of college friends reunites for a pre-wedding party, but things take a dark turn when a mysterious body-swapping game unleashes chaos and eerie revelations. A must-watch thriller that deserves a spot on your horror watchlist! Prey For The Devil 7 / 7 Prey for the Devil (2022) is an American horror film about a nun training as an exorcist who faces a powerful demonic force. With spine-chilling moments and an intense storyline, the film keeps you on edge—especially with its gripping ending. (Images: Netflix/ IMDb)
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix 'nightmare' body-swap film with 'unforgivable' twist
It's What's Inside is a sci-fi horror that was released straight to streaming service Netflix in 2024 and has been causing quite a stir among fans of the genre This horror film has been making a splash in the genre, earning rave reviews from movie buffs on Rotten Tomatoes, despite it being the director's debut feature. It's What's Inside is an independent sci-fi horror penned and directed by Greg Jardin, starring a cast of up-and-coming actors, including Brittany O'Grady, best known for her role as Paula in The White Lotus. She forms part of an ensemble cast portraying a group of friends whose lives take a bizarre turn. One captivated viewer hailed the film as "absolute cinema." They wrote: "Truly a work of art. Anxiously waiting for another dose of this." The 2024 horror flick is peppered with dark humour as it delves into the dynamics among a group of old university mates reuniting for a wedding. The plot thickens when Forbes, played by David W Thompson, brings along a suitcase containing a peculiar device, reports the Mirror US. This enigmatic gadget allows them all to switch bodies, sparking off an exhilarating game. They decide to liven things up by guessing who is in whose body, but the fun quickly spirals out of control, leading to a stark division within the group. A viewer commented: "An EXTREMELY original take on the body swap trope. This has cult classic potential. The plot is original and engaging. The execution and cinematography are exactly what's needed. The acting is robust but fell slightly short of making this an easy five-star rating. I'd suggest this to anyone in the mood for a body-swap film with a few dark twists. It might even be something I revisit in the future." However, one aspect that many viewers agreed upon was the "big twist" at the end, or as some are referring to it, the "unforgivable" ending. One viewer said: "Don't completely love the ending unless there's a sequel on the horizon soon." Elaborating further, another somewhat disappointed viewer remarked: "The film is generally quite brilliant. A fantastic drama with a rather unique approach to body-swap films. But it has the worst ending I have ever seen in a film. Cut off just at the climax." The film was launched just last year in 2024 after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and went directly onto the streaming platform. It garnered mostly positive reviews, with an overall score of 79% on the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, and many fans are eagerly awaiting a sequel following its shocking twist. If you're intrigued by less than two hours of dark humour and sci-fi frights, It's What's Inside is available to stream now on Netflix.
The Guardian
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Has the Sundance film festival lost its mojo?
At the end of last year's Sundance film festival there may have been some concerns over the quality of films but there was less worry over the quantity of deals. As I wrote last year's wrap, there had already been major big-money sales – $10m for A Real Pain, $17m for It's What's Inside, $15m for My Old Ass, $5m for Presence – some smaller ones – Thelma, Ghostlight, Ibelin, Daughters, Skywalkers and Kneecap – and in the 48 hours after there were even more – Dìdi to Focus and Will & Harper to Netflix. Post-strikes it was a reassuringly robust marketplace with gaps that needed to be filled but just a year later, things are looking far less comforting. There were even more questions over quality – I heard many a grumble in the press line over a lack of breakouts – but even so, as of writing, there have been only four deals confirmed, a worryingly dour result for what's seen as one of America's most important markets. Films with sellable names like Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch and Josh O'Connor and some of the best-reviewed titles remain without distribution. A sense of cautiousness might explain why the most immediately competitive title was a horror film, still one of the only close-to-sure genres in Hollywood. That film was Together, a slickly made body horror picked up by Neon for a reported $17m, after fighting off competition from A24. It stars the real-life husband-and-wife duo Alison Brie and Dave Franco as a codependent couple who find themselves drawn to each other even more when they stumble upon a gnarly infection that forces their flesh together. While it would have been an easy yes in any year, we are now living in a post-Substance world, the Demi Moore-fronted sleeper scoring both strong box office and surprise Oscar nominations. While Together is unlikely to be an awards darling, a swiftly announced August release date should make it a solid late summer hit. The film was also one of the most universally liked of the festival (it's maintained a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), a distinction also shared by another buzzy sale, albeit on a far smaller scale. The comedian Eva Victor's debut Sorry, Baby had already seemed like a perfect fit for A24 before it even showed interest – it's produced by Barry Jenkins, who has a relationship with the company after Moonlight and Aftersun, it's a writer-director-actor showcase of someone known for their poppy virality and it's an unusual #MeToo narrative loosely similar to I May Destroy You. It was an $8m pickup for the distributor who will probably give it a low-key awards push later in the year. The Oscar conversation will also likely include another big sale of the festival, the period drama Train Dreams which was bought by Netflix for a figure that's reportedly in the high teen millions. The film stars Joel Edgerton and the recent two-time Oscar nominee Felicity Jones as a couple at the start of the 20th century living in the American west and boasts the same creative team as Sing Sing. Across the board praise for Edgerton should see him become a strong best actor contender. A rather less surefire best actress contender also emerged in the first weekend in the unlikely shape of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, a anxiety-fueled dark comedy about motherhood with a career-best performance from a remarkable Rose Byrne. The film, from the writer-director Mary Bronstein, already has A24 behind it, but it's a divisive, deliberately difficult watch that could prove too alienating for many voters. The festival kicked off with two narrative features that landed at opposite ends of the spectrum. The director Sophie Hyde, who'd scored Sundance success with 52 Tuesdays, Animals and the Emma Thompson-fronted Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, stumbled with her latest, the personal drama Jimpa. Despite strong performances from Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, the film struggled to impress critics on the ground and will be a tough one to sell. But then later that night, the Straight Up writer-director-actor James Sweeney found himself the talk of the town after his second feature, the wonderfully indefinable Twinless, premiered to rave reviews. A twisty, genre-shifting mix of grief drama, Hitchcock thriller and dark comedy, it's perhaps the film's unusual nature that's left it unsold at this stage given how strong the response has been (another 100% rating that also picked up the audience award). The film drew controversy at the tail-end of the festival after leaks led to it being pulled from the digital platform that allows for consumers to rent certain titles. Sex scenes including its star Dylan O'Brien (who gave one of the festival's most impressive breakout performances) plus major plot reveals were shared on social media, the second film (after a doc about the tragic singer Selena Quintanilla) to be leaked and then pulled. The app had been introduced as an inevitable addition during Covid times so journalists could cover the festival remotely but given how it became a strong money-maker for the festival (a reported half a million people used the portal in 2021) it stayed ever since. But with the leaks, especially as many of the films available are seeking buyers, questions remain over whether it will return next year at least in the current iteration. Many more high-profile films chose to steer clear of the app, which was perhaps wisest for Kiss of the Spider Woman, a Jennifer Lopez-led musical restaging of the prison-set queer drama. The Broadway adaptation's many splashy technicolor setpieces would have surely landed online within minutes but while Lopez, who responded tearfully to a standing ovation, received praise for her singing and dancing, the film was met with mostly mixed reviews. It's a tough proposition for many buyers even with the musical resurgence (Wicked, it ain't) although I could see a smart distributor position it for a Lopez Golden Globe nod. An even tougher sell, with even rougher reviews, was led by another of the festival's bigger stars, the Benedict Cumberbatch-fronted and Film 4-funded grief horror-drama The Thing With Feathers. Based on the much-loved novella, the film couldn't capitalise on a packed-out Saturday night premiere, reminding too many of previous Sundance hit The Babadook. The night before also saw Cumberbatch's Henry Sugar co-star Dev Patel receive similarly spotty reviews for the Wales-set folk horror Rabbit Trap, yet they were fawning in comparison to those that met Brit Himesh Patel's comedy Bubble & Squeak, a cabbage-smuggling comedy that was widely viewed as the worst of the fest. Another well-known British actor who had more success was Ben Whishaw, who came with his second film under the Passages director Ira Sachs, the talky two-hander Peter Hujar's Day. It had a warm reception but given how much smaller it is than their last film together (it's essentially a 76-minute art film), it sold to a much smaller distributor in Sideshow and Janus Films. Many of the buzzier titles, like the aforementioned Sorry, Baby and Twinless, managed to attract attention without such stars attached and with less attention-demanding premiere slots. On Tuesday evening, even as many critics had already left, the celebrity culture thriller Lurker quickly became one of the festival's most enthusiastically received titles, the first-time writer-director Alex Russell's dark tale of a retail worker attaching himself to a musician feeling like one of the easier commercial sells of the festival. It was a genre hit unlike the disastrously received Opus, another story set in the music industry that was a rare A24 miss, a film that most people were quick to criticise on the ground. For while some films did attract applause, it was mostly of the polite kind. There was no Get Out or Past Lives or Little Miss Sunshine this year, at least not on the narrative side of things. The delayed Oscar nominations landed just as the festival was kicking off and while the best picture 10 was lacking a Sundance premiere (A Real Pain just missed out), the documentary category featured four of them. It was a fitting kick-off for a festival that was widely viewed as more impressive for docs again with standouts including films on horrendous conditions in an Alabama prison, the troubled history of To Catch a Predator, the loves and life of Jeff Buckley, the rise of anti-trans rhetoric, the Russia-Ukraine war through the eyes of those fighting it, bigoted book bans in America and a Russian teacher dealing with life under Putin. But it's been similarly dismal commercially without any sold to date, a potentially concerning sign of wider fears over content that might be deemed too controversial under a rightwing president. In 2023, two major docs, Union and No Other Land, ended up without any distribution with many speculating that their themes – the first on Amazon's many labor issues and the second on Israeli violence and occupation in the West Bank – frightened buyers. While the latter still scored an Oscar nomination despite its lack of formal release, this years festival taking place just days after the inauguration added an unmistakable layer of caution to an already caution-heavy marketplace, a feeling that taking any added commercial or political risk is going to be even harder at such a volatile time.
