Sensitive Skin

The show is based on an original British series of the same name that Kim Cattrall had interest in producing an American remake since a long time. Seems that while in agreements with HBO to perform Samantha Jones in Sex And The City movies, one of Cattrall's requirements was HBO to help her produce the show. HBO found the show unviable to their American schedule, but could make it thru its Canadian subsidiary.

The 6 episodes series is about a former model and actress in a middle age crisis that works in a art gallery and is married to a writer. She is always putting herself under constantly physical self analysis when she faces that time is passing thru her eyes. That's kinda ironic because Kim Cattrall is an actress and former ex-model in her 50's and also considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her generation.

In the very beginning of the first episode, Davina is being advised about the consequences of the use of hormones. The camera angle and the character's position makes Davina looks quite fragile, very different from what we usually see about Cattrall's natural exuberance. Her last lines before the show uses its own scenes for the opening sequence is quite interesting, giving the one and only resemblance of what we so used to see about Samantha Jones, a character that is far away from any references in this show after that. At first the aspects of the show would lead us to understand it as a drama, but in fact it has a very slight dark and cringe humor, but few of them are delivered by Davina. Most of its humor is delivered by Don Mackellar's instead and other supporting ones that make some guest appearances during the episodes. Mackellar's presence makes the show itself get lost in its primary idea, and the story about a middle age woman then becomes about her and also her husband instead. The story wastes much of its time with parallel situations reducing its potentials and overshadowing Cattrall's character. Seems that Davina does not have strength to lead the show, but that's not because she is uninteresting, but because writers couldn't make her life and personal crisis interesting enough.

Takes some time to get caught by the show. In 6 episodes, more than half of it makes its supporting characters stronger than its main character, giving the impression that we are watching 2 different shows in one: one about Davina and the other one about her pathetic husband's misadventures, which is a shame, because Davina has an incredible underused depth.

It is beautifully filmed. Kim Cattrall is amazing as always, but as I said, she is overshadowed by elements that definitely should not be used to fade her, but to support. Unfortunately the show does not deliver what it promises in the very beginning of its first episode, which is the opportunity to make Kim Cattrall shines and make her character the center of a very interesting discussion about the difficulties of dealing with the pressures of society and the media about aging.

Interesting show, but lost in its own ideas.

I am really enjoying this program.

I have just become a widow at 58 years of age (lost my husband to an accident) so also unexpected. I can totally relate to what Davina is feeling and going thru. I like how she is able to talk to her deceased husband and discuss their lives, past and present. And how Davian is trying different things and life styles as now she is alone and young enough to know she has a long life ahead of her. What will she do? What will I do?

I can't believe what a great job Kim is doing is portraying a grieving widow, I forget that she is acting. Thank you for this program, it is helping me carry on! Thank you Kim! keep up the good work !

This has a really great premise, its a story world that I haven't seen done before, yet has wide appeal. An extension of the Thirty Something, Cold Feet with just a hint of Northern Exposure magic realism. It's funny, she's brilliant and shows herself to be a really serious actress. All the actors are really strong, and I think the DOP is a genius. I don't like the title. I'd avoided it for awhile because I thought it might be about plastic surgery - the title and the publicity image don't work for me. I think they also make it seemed as though it's pitched at a female audience, which I don't think it needs to be. It is a brilliant 50 something gem. Maybe she needs to take it over slightly. It's probably missing the Larry David character, and I think there might be hesitance to really push the female lead aspect. Which seems odd after Sex and The City. There are lots of aspects that I think are very real, the health neurosis, the attempts to find a new "mode" of life. The complexity of relationships. The everyday drams of everyday life - like parking, and neighbours and the sofa that seemed like a good idea, etc., Please make some more.

There really are not that many, but certain shows just sneak up after awhile and grab you. Sensitive Skin is one of those productions, in both the characters and the story-line. You start off somewhat unimpressed, but then you begin to connect, and you cannot stop being drawn in. And towards the end of the first series, you are caught up in both plot and the lives of some individuals you thought you would not have that much interest at the very beginning. And it's not that she has been ignored, but for much of her career Kim Cattrall has not been center stage as much as she deserves to be.. but here she shines, and it's one of her finest overall works to date. This is her show, nuanced and subtle, she is just outstanding. Where it leads to a second season can only be guessed at, but it is very much anticipated by those that have come to truly appreciate this fine little TV series.

SENSITIVE SKIN (2014-2016) is an interesting and thoughtful drama, as well as a bitter-sweet comedy, based on the British series by the same name. Kim Cattrall (as Davina Jackson) and Don McKeller (as Al Jackson) were both excellent in their roles. Kim Cattrall is definitely powerful in this role.

"Davina and Al try to revamp their lives and marriage as they struggle with the uncertainties of middle age."

This series, although the subject matter is somewhat upsetting and hard to watch, was a show that does get you thinking. Overall it was an interesting and moving series. Definitely worth the watch, though it does get upsetting at times. A good show.