PlatinumRead Just so...so bad

Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Kirandeep Yoder The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

wasalldisabooteh Just watched this film a couple days ago, and haven't really been able to let go. I'd been meaning to watch it, along with a few other gems associated with the New French Extremity, for quite some time now, and managed to find it at a local (but amazing) video store.First of all, this was one of the most deeply uncomfortable viewing experiences of my life. There isn't the typical fast, exaggerated gore typical to most films in the genre. The violence is slow, drawn out, gnawing and scratching, sickening, shameful, secretive.Second, and what has struck me the most, is that this is the most honest and brutal depiction of self-harm/self-mutilation I've ever seen. Truly. I've been a cutter for some time (thankfully recovered), and at its worse it was catastrophic and insane. There's a strong element of shame. You isolate. But what this movie nails the most, that not only is missed in other depictions but has always been hard for me to describe, is the depersonalization, the dissociation from your own body. The restaurant scene tackles this concept quite literally, in fact. It's still hard to really put into words, so I'll let this movie talk for me.If you're looking to push your boundaries or witness one of the more devastating downward spirals committed to celluloid, definitely check this one out.

MattBirk In My Skin wasn't nearly as intriguing or repulsive as I was led on to believe, unfortunately. While it does feature some nasty self-mutilation which eventually leads to cannibalism, the movie was quite tame when compared to others in the French Extremity. However, that wasn't the problem with the movie, my main problem with Skin was it was basically a bore most of the time. What the movie does extremely well is display the power of addiction has on a user. Like most cases, the first time use seems harmless or happens by accident, something the user thinks nothing of. But over time that addiction grows and grows and becomes something the person wasn't expecting, an addiction. In My Skin does exactly that, the first time she gets hurt it is by accident and she merely brushes it off. But as the movie progresses, she becomes more fascinated with that 'high' which pulls her deeper into her addiction. Displaying classic signs of the powers of addiction, her love life, professional life, and personal life are now falling apart before her eyes. And to no surprise, she slowly pushes everyone around her away and anyone willing to help her is given some type of excuse and hide her dirty secret. It's hard not to appreciate how well this part of the movie is expressed.But while the allegory of addiction is represented quite well, the movie itself is rather slow and unengaging (which is surprising given its premise). It's kind of like an addiction, we are anxiously waiting for her next 'use' (aka the drug) and everything else is just dull and monotonous. In My Skin boils down to two things, it's an interesting look at a very bizarre addiction, but it lacks the characteristics to spin the movie in an intriguing manner.

The_Void In My Skin certainly has some problems; but one of these problems isn't originality, and while things such as a lack of a true plot formula and explanation for the central character's actions may put some viewers off, the film deserves huge credit for stepping out of the mainstream and delivering something a little different to what most film fans will be used to. France has emerged over the past few years as one of the major forces in modern horror cinema, and while this film can't really be judged on the same terms as some of its fellow gory French horrors; it surely does help to bolster the nation's position at the top of the pile. The film represents a big personal project for Marina de Van; who wrote, directs and stars in the film! The plot begins when the central characters injures her leg fairly badly at a party. She is confused by the fact that despite the injury, she didn't really feel any pain and it's not long before she begins experimenting with her body and pain tolerance; eventually becoming unable to refrain from slicing herself open.The film is very different to the average mainstream horror and will not be well received in all circles. However, this certainly is a fascinating journey into a woman's 'discovery of herself' (for lack of a better term). The film does lack a defining point and becomes a voyeuristic look into what can only be described as the central character's disease. The film must then rely on its central character and set pieces, and the writer/director/lead actress definitely does deliver in this area. The film is not short on blood, but it's all used well and never feels gratuitous. The real power of the film comes from depicting the character's experiments on herself; I can generally stomach any amount of disgusting gore, but seeing the character here slice herself open had me squirming and that is testament both to the way we are made to care for the character and the very realistic way that the film is portrayed. The film is carried by the lead actress who is always the star despite some good supporting performances. Marina de Van can certainly be very proud of her work on this one! The appeal of this film can only go so far, but personally I loved it and will not hesitate to recommend that everyone at least gives it a look!

dirtypearl Stunning film from writer/director Marina de Van. The film is bathed in atmosphere from the opening scenes as the viewer sees straight away this isn't going to be an average type film. The comparisons to David Cronenberg are very reasonable, and to some lesser degree Dario Argento. It's not all visual though, the story and acting really enveloped me. I had seen her work in Francoiz Ozon's SEE THE SEA as an actress, and I should have known this woman would have more great work under her belt to come. It's not a film for conservative film goers, but ambitious viewers should give it a look!!