Fairytales are often horrifying.
Inside the home, it is eerily still.
Dreaminess clogs these scenes, lulling the viewer into a suspended state along with the characters.
Overall, the film has a sheen to it.
For all the horror that comes, there is a softness cushioning each shot.
A hiking trip is never a good place to face the past.
She has afantastical aura, almost divine.
Religious iconography is given special attention, particularly images of the Madonna.
The costume leaves justJasmine Curtis-Smiths face visible.
Cannibalism has been on the rise over the past few years, both inside and out of horror media.
However, Dagatans film returns cannibalism toits more historical roots.
InIn My Mothers Skin, cannibalism is not an expression of love, but rather desperation.
The fairy Tala meets sees the hopeless situation the family is in and exploits it.
In My Mother’s Skin’scannibalism is gag-inducing.
It is the sound design, however, that makes these scenes stand out.
The slick, ripping sound every time a character bites into flesh is absolutely nauseating.
The acting fromFelicity Kyle Napulias Tala andBeauty Gonzalezas her mother grounds the insanity of the on-screen action.
Once under the fairys spell, Gonzalezs body language transcends.
She writhes and heaves in agony, then shifts into pure predatory lunges.
Napulis screams of terror are guttural, and easily some of the best child-acting available today.
Their performances convey the gravity of what is happening.
In My Mother’s Skinhas all the makings of a modern-day fairytale.
