Cast
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Selma Blair
as Mary
Joshua Close
as Mark
James D'Arcy
as Bobby
Rachel Miner
as Jane
Quinn Lord
as Brendon
Alex Ferris
as Jared
Matt Bellefleur
as Toby
Terence Kelly
as Attendant
Leanne Adachi
as Medic
Brett Delaney
as Man In Headlights
Debbe Hirata
as Therapist
Agam Darshi
as Nurse
Allie Bertram
as Bridget
Crew
Director
- Jeremy Power Regimbal
Producer
- Justin Tyler Close
- Jeremy Power Regimbal
Reviews
John Chard
The Replicants.
OK! From the off I have to say I'm hardly the right person to take as gospel as regards a review for yet another home invasion movie. I have grown increasingly jaded with this sub-genre of horror, it seems that every year a handful of these type of movies get trundled out and suckers like me keep watching in the hope of finding a gem amongst the rough rocks.
In Their Skin isn't a gem, in fact it's not exactly a must see frightener, but it at least tries to add something to an already stagnated sub-genre of film. Namely an identity theft angle that veers away from the usual "oh they are just psychos or hoodies" line of thinking.
There is a raft of reviewers out there in internet land drawing comparisons to this being a Funny Games knock off. Now regardless of how I personally feel about Hanneke's work, is that what people are doing now? Fans of his film(s) expecting a Selma Blair, Joshua Close, Rachel Miner and James D'Arcy starring movie to take home invasion horror to a new level? When it's directed by an unknown? Really?
For an hour writer and directer Jeremy Power Regimbal favours the slow burn approach, and it works because the cast are very committed, and in the case of adult villains D'Arcy and Miner there's some bona fide creepiness about their respective mannerisms. It's only when things shift away from rumbling unease into psycho/sexual territory that the fledgling director loses control and sinks to formula conventions to get his shock and awe.
Not a must see, but in the context of boorish fodder like The Strangers, or higher budgeted fluff like The Purge, then this is well worth a look by those not expecting a whole new dimension of home invasion horror. It does have merits that doesn't waste your time, and beside which, James D'Arcy in this looks uncannily like Norman Bates, so that has to warrant a look! 6/10
Jul 15, 2014
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. In Their Skin presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jeremy Power Regimbal 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 2012, 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 In Their Skin took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While In Their 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 Simon Says, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, In Their Skin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Cry_Wolf and Ravenous explore similar territory, In Their Skin stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 9, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $4,000,000
Where to Watch
