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DramaRomance

Skin Deep

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At first glance, Leyla and Tristan are a happy couple. When they travel to a mysterious island, a game of identities begins that changes everything – their perception, their sexuality, their entire selves. But not only their relationship threatens to break up. They may even never be who they used to be again…

Release Date : 2023-02-02

Language :German

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Walker & Worm FilmDonndorffilmBRARTECinePostproduction

Production Country : Germany

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Mala Emde

Character Name : Leyla

Original Name : Mala Emde

Gender : Female

Jonas Dassler

Character Name : Tristan

Original Name : Jonas Dassler

Gender : Male

Dimitrij Schaad

Character Name : Mo

Original Name : Dimitrij Schaad

Gender : Male

Maryam Zaree

Character Name : Fabienne

Original Name : Maryam Zaree

Gender : Female

Thomas Wodianka

Character Name : Roman

Original Name : Thomas Wodianka

Gender : Male

Edgar Selge

Character Name : Stella

Original Name : Edgar Selge

Gender : Male

Adam Bousdoukos

Character Name : Kapitän

Original Name : Adam Bousdoukos

Gender : Male

Selma Poyraz

Character Name : Ezra

Original Name : Selma Poyraz

Gender : Male

Louise von Plessen

Character Name : Stellas Vater

Original Name : Louise von Plessen

Gender : Male

Reviews

C

CinemaSerf

@Geronimo1967

2023-03-29

The start of this film reminded me a little of "Midsommar" (2019) as "Leyla" (Mala Emde) and loving boyfriend "Tristan" (Jonas Dassler) arrive on a remote island where she knows the elder. Initially, it has the feeling of a kibbutz to it - they all sit around drinking and chatting, and meet "Mo" (Dimitrij Schaad) and "Fabienne" (Matyam Zaree) then we discover the true purpose of their stay. They can swap identities. Essentially, by walking through a pool of waster they can transfer their essence from one body to another. What now ensues are permutations of relationships between the four characters that challenge their own feelings for each other as well as their sexualities and the strength of their affections and of their own character. It turns out that the father of "Leyla" had lived here for some time, before his death, in a relationship with "Roman"(Thomas Wodianka) and some swapping with him causes joy and pain in equal measure and tests the mettle of all. The story is quite intriguing, it is quite difficult to remember who is (really) who and as we see the characterisations open up, it is quite quirkily delivered. Sadly, though, the writing is really rather dreary and the acting - save for Wodianka - really doesn't live up to the promise of the narrative. It's beautifully shot and there are a few character actors to give it a sort of community feel to it, but somehow the lack of some more heavyweight talent leaves it all just a bit sterile and adrift. It's worth a watch though - if only because it questions many of the established principles of linear sexuality and personality.