Mysterious Skin

Leigh Collins

Very surprised by how much I liked this film. Superbly made, great acting, held my attention throughout, unflinchingly brutal at times, utterly bizarre at others, but with a fascinating depth of emotion that is rare in 'teen cinema'. Despite the dark storyline, it feels relatively light and doesn't take itself too seriously, just like the characters themselves. And a note-perfect ending to boot.

Steve G.

Scintillating, quietly ambitious and devastating filmmaking that understands the human mind's never-ending invention when it comes to burying trauma better than perhaps any other film I've seen. Whatever happened to Michelle Trachtenberg though?

Dallas Swindell

A gritty but entrancing story of the journey back to innocence lost. Gainer's cinematography and Araki's direction lead a young ensemble through the fog of a shared past. Closeups passing through the 4th wall, and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the tender heart of the film, deliver a viewing experience that is affronting and endearing from the first frames. Mysterious Skin is an experience not soon forgotten.

G. Elósegui

El tratamiento de un tema tan escabroso, sin contemplaciones ni moralinas. Eso es lo que hay, el olvido o la memoria, y lo que finalmente uno hace con ello para seguir viviendo. Memorable la actuación de Gordon Levitt.

Adam GR

Gregg Araki's best film and Joseph Gordon Levitt's best performance.

Elisou

Still tough to watch this movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of the best actors of his generation. And the soundtrack is amazing (Slowdive, Sigur Rós, Cocteau Twins, Ride...).

Marissa

One of the most disturbing films I have ever seen. Amazing performances from Brady Corbet and Joespeh Gordon-Levitt.

Nicholas Gregory

It treats its subject tastefully, but it's about child molestation, so that's not surprising. I mean, what's the alternative? Corbet's character blocking out the trauma is realistic, if a truism, and in doing so doesn't provide him with much conflict. The counter is Levitt's whore character that sums up the depth by proving it doesn't really provide any insights on its subject other than molestation fucks you up.