Skins (2017) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Skins (2017) (Pieles in Spanish) is a provocative and unsettling Spanish film directed by Eduardo Casanova that explores the concept of beauty, deformity, and societal rejection through an absurd, often disturbing lens. With its shocking visuals and grotesque characters, Skins challenges the conventional notions of physical appearance, making the audience confront their own biases about beauty and acceptance. This film is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique perspective on human identity, self-worth, and the extremes of body modification.
Let’s dive into the unique world of Skins and see where you can watch this film online in 2024.
Plot Summary: An Exploration of Grotesque Beauty
Skins weaves together multiple storylines, each focusing on characters with severe physical deformities or bodily alterations. These characters are often marginalized and live in isolation or under the weight of societal rejection, but they continue to seek connection, love, and acceptance.
One of the central figures is Samantha (Ana Polvorosa), a woman born with her digestive tract in reverse, meaning her mouth is located where her anus should be, and vice versa. This condition forces her to lead a life of shame and secrecy, while she longs for normalcy and acceptance.
Then there’s Laura (Macarena Gómez), a woman with no eyes who dreams of becoming a famous actress. Her blindness has left her vulnerable to manipulation, but she remains determined to carve out a space for herself in the world.
The film also follows Cristian (played by Casanova regular, Jon Kortajarena), a man obsessed with achieving the perfect body. This obsession drives him to undergo extreme body modification surgery, pushing the limits of his own humanity.
These and other characters’ lives intertwine, and through their experiences, Skins explores themes of societal alienation, beauty standards, and the desire to be loved despite outward appearances.
Themes: Beauty, Alienation, and Society’s Judgments
At its core, Skins is a dark and surreal meditation on society’s obsession with physical perfection. Director Eduardo Casanova doesn’t shy away from portraying grotesque or abnormal bodies, forcing the audience to confront their own discomfort with physical deformity. The film critiques how society marginalizes individuals based solely on their appearance, relegating them to a life of shame, isolation, or exploitation.
The title Skins is a reflection of the film’s central theme: that we are all trapped inside our bodies, and society often judges us based on the skin we wear. The film asks difficult questions about how we define beauty and the extent to which we are willing to change our appearance to fit in.
There’s a sense of both empathy and horror in Skins. The film elicits sympathy for its characters, but it also revels in their grotesqueness, creating a dissonant experience for the viewer. In this way, Skins feels like a modern-day fairy tale, blending the bizarre with the tragic.
Why Skins Stands Out
Skins is not a conventional movie. Its highly stylized visuals, pastel color palette, and surreal atmosphere make it feel more like a twisted art installation than a traditional narrative film. Eduardo Casanova’s direction has often been compared to the likes of Pedro Almodóvar, especially in his use of vibrant colors and eccentric characters, but Casanova’s work has a more disturbing edge.
The performances, especially by Ana Polvorosa and Macarena Gómez, are haunting and sincere. Despite their characters’ extreme appearances, the actors bring a level of emotional depth that makes these people feel real and relatable, even as they exist in an exaggerated, nightmarish world.
Skins is a polarizing film—some will appreciate its boldness and willingness to push boundaries, while others may find it too disturbing or grotesque to enjoy. But whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Skins leaves an impression.
Where to Watch Skins Online in 2024
If you’re intrigued by the twisted and thought-provoking world of Skins, here’s where you can watch it online in the U.S.
1. Netflix
Skins is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. This is the easiest and most accessible platform to watch the film. Given Netflix’s wide variety of international cinema, Skins fits perfectly within its eclectic collection of bold and daring films.
Netflix Subscription Plans:
- Basic: $9.99/month (one device, standard definition)
- Standard: $15.49/month (two devices, HD)
- Premium: $19.99/month (four devices, UHD)
2. Amazon Prime Video
For those who prefer renting or purchasing the movie, Amazon Prime Video offers Skins for both options. This platform is great if you want to own the film digitally or don’t have a Netflix subscription.
Rental and Purchase Prices on Amazon Prime Video:
- Rental: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase: $9.99 (HD)
3. Apple TV (iTunes)
If you’re an Apple user, Apple TV (formerly iTunes) allows you to rent or buy Skins. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to watch on their Apple devices.
Rental and Purchase Prices on Apple TV:
- Rental: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase: $9.99 (HD)
4. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV also offers Skins for rent or purchase. This platform provides flexibility, allowing you to stream the movie across various devices, including Android smartphones and tablets.
Rental and Purchase Prices on Google Play:
- Rental: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase: $9.99 (HD)
5. Vudu
Vudu offers Skins for rent or purchase as well, with competitive pricing and the possibility of deals or discounts. It’s a great platform if you’re looking to watch the film without a subscription service.
Rental and Purchase Prices on Vudu:
- Rental: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase: $9.99 (HD)
6. YouTube Movies
Finally, YouTube Movies allows you to rent or buy Skins directly through YouTube. This option is perfect if you’re looking for an easy and accessible way to watch the movie without downloading additional apps.
Rental and Purchase Prices on YouTube:
- Rental: $3.99 (HD)
- Purchase: $9.99 (HD)
Why You Should Watch Skins
Skins is not a film that everyone will enjoy, but it’s a movie that pushes boundaries and asks difficult questions about how we perceive beauty and deformity. Eduardo Casanova’s distinct visual style and bold storytelling offer a unique cinematic experience that’s hard to forget. For those who appreciate avant-garde filmmaking and are unafraid of provocative content, Skins is a must-watch.
The film’s portrayal of marginalized individuals and their struggle for love and acceptance is deeply affecting, even if the visuals may be hard to stomach for some viewers. Skins dares to confront the viewer with their own prejudices about physical appearance and societal norms, making it a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
Conclusion: Watch Skins Online Today
Skins is a visually striking and thought-provoking film that explores the dark side of beauty standards, societal rejection, and body modification. While it may not be for everyone, its unique approach to storytelling and its bold visual style make it a standout piece of cinema. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of watching this provocative film, you can stream or purchase Skins on the following platforms:
Available Streaming Services for Skins (2017):
- Netflix (Subscription)
- Amazon Prime Video (Rent/Buy)
- Apple TV (iTunes) (Rent/Buy)
- Google Play Movies & TV (Rent/Buy)
- Vudu (Rent/Buy)
- YouTube Movies (Rent/Buy)
Step into the unsettling yet captivating world of Skins and experience a film like no other.
