Does the soul really exist ? If our mind and body were separated , how much of what truly makes us who we are would remain ? These are some of the questions raised by the intriguing new German production Skin Deep . We are introduced to Leyla ( Mala Emde ) and Tristan ( Jonas Dassler ) who are offered the chance to undergo a transformative two weeks where their minds and bodies will be swapped with another couple . Soon , it is revealed that Leyla suffers from a debilitating depression , and where she finds the body-swap experience an extreme relief from her mental illness , Tristan finds it discombobulating . Conflict arises when Tristan seeks to end the experience early , sending Leyla into a desperate spiral .
Skin Deep
Aus meiner Haut
***
1 / 2
Germany 2022 Opening February 2 , 2023
© X Verl
Directed by : Alex Schaad Writing credits : Alex Schaad , Dimitrij Schaad Principal actors : Jonas Dassler , Mala Emde , Maryam Zaree , Dimitrij Schaad
Skin Deep takes place in an alternate reality where bodyswapping is considered to be a slightly abnormal transcendental offering of a spiritual retreat , rather than an utterly mind-blowing feat of science . Accepting that is relatively easy , but as the film goes along , the premise begins to feel a bit shaky . In the opening of the film , we are introduced to the reality that this procedure can have its downsides , and yet it seems that even after many years , there have been no protocols put in place , no questionnaires for the participants , nothing . On the one hand , the film wants us to understand that this procedure has its risks , but on the other , it seems that no one ( not even the government ) has felt the need to practice any ethical precautions . It lends the film a rather underbaked quality that is really unfortunate .
Also , it is a bit bizarre that no one has suggested other solutions to Leyla ’ s mental illness nor seems concerned about the impact such a procedure might have on her . Has she tried therapy ? Medication ? Anything ? Tristan tellingly seems to have written her suffering off as Leyla simply having a tough time for a few years ( despite seeing her withdraw from all of the things she previously enjoyed ). Is this somehow a representation of the German attitude towards mental health ? Is it easier to conceptualize swapping bodies than recognizing depression and seeking appropriate medical support ?
While Skin Deep is a high-quality production with an intriguing premise , something is left to be desired in the final product . There were missed opportunities throughout to make some profound points about philosophical questions and the ending is contrived and unsatisfying . Nevertheless , it is largely an enjoyable film that certainly makes you wonder , who would I really be if I were no longer in my own body ? 103 minutes . ( Rose Finlay )
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