HailPaimon_

In My Skin is a disgusting and disturbing film. It follows Esther, a woman who becomes increasingly obsessed with self-mutilation and self-cannibalization after an accident that wounds her leg.

Esther is a tragic figure of sorts. She is intelligent and successful. She's good at her job and looking forward to moving in with her boyfriend. This is all threatened when her tendency for self-destruction starts to put a strain on her relationship and career.

Although there are a few truly grotesque and wince-inducing body horror sequences, including a bizarre and unsettling dinner scene, the film is not simply gross or gory without a point. As it goes on, it becomes clear Esther is suffering from an addiction of sorts, and she goes to great lengths to hide her addiction from her lover, her friends, and her job.

There is an authentic sincerity and dedication to Marina de Van's performance. You get the feeling even Esther herself may not consciously know why she's doing this, just that she needs to satisfy an irresistible urge.

Overall, In My Skin is a disturbing film that successfully uses body horror to explore dissociation and addiction.

Don't go in expecting Green Room. This film is more of an atmospheric, slow burn with occasional bursts of intensity rather than a straightforward thriller.

Some of the plot elements and how they are handled will turn people off but the craftsmanship here is impossible to ignore. The performances are for the most part strong and the visuals are beautifully bleak. The violence is explosive and disturbing. Fans of Saulnier, and fans of genre in general, will find a lot appreciate here.

Those who want things wrapped up neatly may be disappointed, as the themes the film deals with, along with how it presents them, warrants a second watch. It's not necessarily a story with a satisfying conclusion and no loose ends. Some of the ambiguity felt unnecessary and could have been handled better, but the script is overall solid, if a bit of a mixed bag.

Overall the film's story gets its message across, regarding the exploration of the line between human and animal, and the feral tendencies we bury deep in ourselves. It could have used a bit of cleanup getting there, but it's still a strongly crafted film above all else.

6/10.