In Their Skin Movie Review

In their Skin is written, produced, and directed by Jeremy Power Regimbal. Joshua Close [also the lead actor] has co-written the script for this film with Jeremy. Justin Tyler Close has co-produced this film. This film is distributed under the combined banner of IFC Films and KinoSmith. Norm Li is the cinematographer, while Austin Andrews is the editor of this film. This film stars Joshua Close and Selma Blair Selma Blair Beitner was born on June 23, 1972. She >> Read More... in the lead. The supporting cast of this film includes Rachel Miner, James D'Arcy, Alex Ferris Alex Ferris is a well-known Canadian origin actor, >> Read More... , Quinn Lord etc. Following the premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film got a theatrical release on 11 September 2012.

Plot

Following the untimely demise of their young daughter, Mary Hughes, and Mark Hughes retire to their suburban retreat. They are visited by a neighboring couple, the Sakowskis. However, there is more to this family than what meets the eye, and by the time Hughes realizes this, they are in deep trouble. Can they get out of this mess?

Star Performances

For a debut director, Jeremy Power Regimbal has done a pretty good job. He has made a thriller with the right number of chills, as well as suspense, leaving viewers guessing for the next surprise.

Selma Blair and Joshua Close shine as the couple in distress. So does the dubious Sakowski family, performed brilliantly by James D’Arcy, Rachel Miner, Alex Ferris, etc.

Analysis

A family is visited by some people. They appear to be friendly but soon show their true colors. They take the family hostage, who have two choices: either await the doom or fight for that one chance of survival.

Wait, haven’t we heard of this before? Well, if you have watched the Tim Roth Tim Roth is originally known as Simon Timothy. Rot >> Read More... and Naomi Watts She is often known to be one of the most desirable >> Read More... starrer ‘Funny Games,’ you will. ‘ In Their Skin Click to look into! >> Read More... ,’ however, has a simple, yet striking difference: The psychopaths are not a couple of weirdos, but an entire family!

For a debutante, Jeremey Regimbal’s direction does pack a punch. He invests more in the emotional turmoil, to make up for the lack of horror in his narrative. The film is not as dark as ‘Funny Games,’ but to be honest, it is not boring either. The slick runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes is more than enough to build up the narrative, keeping the viewers hooked to their screens as well. There were a couple of scenes, including those involving profanity, that could have been cut out. Except for that, the movie is a decent watch.

Joshua Close, who has also co-written the script, impresses us as the brooding father of Mark. Selma Blair marks a striking presence as the concerned but brave wife Mary. The cast playing the shady Sakowski family does a good job as well.

What's There?

• A decent narrative with the right twists and turns
• Good acting and writing by Joshua Close
• Solid support from Selma Blair and the rest of the supporting cast

What's Not There?

• Clunky editing
• Unnecessary sequences involving profanity
• Cliched plotline

Verdict

‘In Their Skin’ is a predictable thriller that surprisingly evokes the interest of the audience. Despite the limitations of the plot, the writers, as well as the actors make up for it. You can give this film a try!