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Altered Skin

Altered Skin (2019)

Oct 01, 2019 1h 20m Horror Thriller

While caring for his ailing wife, an American engineer in Pakistan stumbles upon a deadly pharmaceutical conspiracy.

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Directed by Adnan Ahmed

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Adnan Ahmed
Writer
  • Adnan Ahmed

Reviews

Gimly
3/10

A little originality, a little reminiscent of _Dying Light_ which is a property I enjoy, so points on both those, but still definitively a bad movie.

_Final rating:★½: - Boring/disappointing. Avoid where possible._

Jan 1, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Altered Skin presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Adnan Ahmed brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Altered Skin took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 240 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Altered Skin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Invasion, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Altered Skin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Mimic and Feral explore similar territory, Altered Skin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 1, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads

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