Sensitive Skin

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.

Based upon a British series, Sensitive Skin presents an affecting and strikingly-filmed series based upon the reflective angst of ageing and progressing through middle age. However, while centrally a drama, there is also a seam of comedy, and this often provides narrative problems as the central actors, Kim Cattrall and Doug McKellar (playing spouses Davina and Al) often seem to be in two completely different narratives. With regard to McKellar, he is frequently caught up in zany and wacky sitcom-style farce, while Cattrall is part of a meditative and emotional drama, and Cattrall wins out. Her scenes are often starkly beautiful and her performance is stellar, but then they are undercut by jarring, unrealistic and sometimes tiresome comedy antics (although Elliott Gould's turn as a dubious doctor works well). It is obvious that Al (and son, Orlando) are meant to exacerbate Davina's ennui, but the tonal shifts make the series uneven and more focus on Davina's point-of-view would have elevated it. Nevertheless, Sensitive Skin is still highly engaging and effectively produced - I just would have liked to have seen more of Davina and her world-view.

Honestly if I wouldn't have turned the TV on that one time at around midnight, before going to sleep, I would never bother trying watching it. But it captivated my interests right away. Very interesting style (I would try to describe it as a weird blend between Coen Brothers cinematography and a slight Woody Allen vibe), story made up from small encounters, black humor, make up for a really witty and well written show. Since the first episode I just binge-watched as it is quite addicting. The story is surprising and funny, acting is super, characters are interesting, style is super unique and refreshing. A very pleasant surprise.

You have to watch this show! Wonderful, intelligent, heartwarming. Just wish it hadn't ended after two seasons. Great cast and fabulous acting.

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.