In Her Skin (2009)

These days true crime stories are seemingly more popular than ever, and this Aussie psychological thriller/drama will certainly please the fans of the genre. Despite featuring internationally well-known names like Guy Pearce, Miranda Otto, and Sam Neill, “In Her Skin” didn’t get much attention. The thing with the movie is that the less talked about the plot, the better. Let’s just say it’s about the lives of two completely different girls, and one of them gets disappeared.

The film explores what’s the story behind her abduction and what’s going on between two young girls. The narrative is fractured, shifting perspectives between Rachel’s family, Caroline, and the police investigation, creating a mosaic of grief, guilt, and obsession. Don’t let it make you feel like it’s gonna be some confusing film. Not at all; it’s very straightforward, but it gives enough time and space for all of its characters, so we can understand (if not condone) all the sides in the story.

It’s always admirable in thrillers and acting performances when you understand the character but still feel very disturbed by the events. That just shows that it’s a character study done well. Ruth Bradley’s performance is the highlight, but everybody else, including the famous faces of the cast, are all doing a good job, adding depth to the story.

The film works both as a drama and a thriller because we do feel sorry for the tragedy going on, but we’re also feeling the tension of the investigation. The cinematography is effective, especially how it contrasts the realities of these two girls. Again, trying to not spoil much, because that’s the best way to watch this film. It has things to say about mental health problems among teenagers, and while it’s a film that goes to dark sides occasionally, it also treats its subject with sensitivity and depth.