Skin

It may tread familiar territory, but Skin does so with relentless energy, confidence, and passion. I can’t wait to see what Nattiv has in store for us next – and for Bell to get under another character’s skin.

It is Bell who makes the movie, belligerent, coiled fury from the tip of his bald head to the toes he bounces on as he stomps into the frame, threatening one and all, righteous in his racist wrath.

Less dynamic than “American History X,” and less lurid than some treatments of similarly themed stories, “Skin” is a compelling character study whose narrative momentum flags somewhat around the three-quarter point. Still, it never loses interest.

Jamie Bell’s tough performance carries this forthright, earnest, if limited drama.

A blistering story of rage and redemption that never fully illuminates the journey from one to the other.

What Skin lacks in history, context, or behavioral psychology, it compensates for with pure angst, dread, and guilt. It’s the human element, the bare skin as it were, that makes this film stand out. It’s a melodrama with characters that inspire interest, if not fondness.

Bryon’s real experience is certainly incredible, but Nattiv’s in-your-face approach to every scene — literally so, since the frame is rarely anything but a sloppy, unimaginative close-up — strips this character study of believability, or any nuance or gathering power.

The true story behind Skin is a great one. The acting in Skin is good all around as well. Unfortunately, how the story is actually portrayed in Skin feels hollow with some over the top melodramatic moments towards the end. It doesn't actually address the issue at hand (which is white supremacy) in any way. It only focuses on the characters, and I think that's a mistake. This film was ultimately held back by the script, because I do believe it could have been much better with all of the other pieces the creative team had in place.

A bit empty and superficial. It doesn't address the issue as I would have liked but it is worth a look because of Jamie Bell's performance. It's not the best drama you can find among so many options but it's a proposal more attractive than bland.