Am another person who was really intrigued by the cool and eerie-looking cover for 'Comforting Skin'. What a great title! The concept was also interesting and seemed to promise an unsettling and daring film, would not have minded in this case about whether it was original or not. Have seen some films recently that when advertised don't look very good visually, but 'Comforting Skin' didn't strike me as amateurish looking at it.
'Comforting Skin' was a disappointment however for me, and this is my respectful opinion and not one that is going to say anything malicious or personal about the film or those commenting. Not a terrible disappointment, but a disappointment nonetheless. With a lot done wrong but with its moments and decent things. If describing 'Comforting Skin' in one word it would be lacklustre, while admiring and appreciating what it set out to do.
The best thing about 'Comforting Skin' is the acting, which surprisingly was much better than average. Actually thought it quite good, and thought that Victoria Bidewell gave a deeply felt and appropriately unsettling performance. Did find myself rooting for her, and don't usually say that with similar characters. It also didn't look cheap, much effort was put into the photography and atmospheric, and thankfully not too dark, lighting.
Didn't thankfully find myself irritated or bored by the music score, this is a component that is very important for me to talk about in film and television having grown up around music, being in a musical family and with it being a major part of my life as a singer slowly building up her career despite obstacles. It added to the unsettlement and had an eeriness that one wishes was present in the other components, while not being too intrusive.
On the other hand, the story and pace are real letdowns. Was hoping for more creepiness and suspense than 'Comforting Skin' actually provided, both of which only came in spurts if even that. Really admired the concept and that the film tried to touch upon the themes and ideas it had, but much more could have been done with them because a lot of it felt underdeveloped. In terms of the pacing, too much of 'Comforting Skin' felt dull and padded, with too many uneventful stretches. Credit is due that my intelligence was not insulted, but my interest wavered too early.
Script tended to be rather awkward and needed tightening, some lines did have the cringe-factor, while some of the effects were tacky and jarred with the rest of the production values. The direction is not incompetent but was workmanlike at best on the dramatic and momentum front.
In conclusion, had its good things but in sore need of more lustre. 4/10
