Skin: The Movie

Skin: The Movie is a 2018 drama-comedy exploration of the beauty industry and the lengths people will go to achieve and maintain an appearance of physical perfection. Directed by Ronn Kilby and with screenplay writer, Shelley Marshall, the film makes a lasting impression, weaving a narrative that ranges from the hilarious to the deeply touching.

Mark Christopher Lawrence of My Name is Earl fame expertly brings to life the character of Leon, an awkward but well-meaning night janitor at a beauty salon who finds himself embroiled in the high-pressure, cutthroat world of aesthetics. He is forced to navigate this strange world with a mixture of natural street wisdom and resolute determination.

Heading up the impressive cast is Diane Sargent playing Mrs. Sherry, the enigmatic owner of the upscale beauty salon. Sargent plays her character with a perfect blend of humor and seriousness, bringing out the eccentricities of a woman engrossed in the superficial but essential world of beauty. Mrs. Sherry runs her salon with an iron fist and a steady stream of business acumen, leading her down a path of personal discovery about the true nature of beauty.

Michelle Way enters the scene as the committed and sometimes complex salon manager, Denise. Denise struggles with the balance of running a successful business whilst maintaining a semblance of personal life. Way's performance is outstanding, giving depth to a character who is constantly balancing between her ambition, personal insecurities, societal expectations, and the machinations of an industry driven by the impossible task of physical perfection.

The film cleverly explores the dichotomy between internal and external beauty, delivering its philosophy in a manner that is both subtle and engaging. It cleverly uses humor as a tool to drive home the underlying societal issues that it seeks to address. The writers do an excellent job of representing the spectrum of beauty industry clients, from the self-assured to the incredibly insecure, weaving a thread that underpin their shared quest for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Skin: The Movie coalesces around a series of events that bring the characters together in ways they wouldn't have predicted. It explores themes of prejudice, acceptance, obsession, and self-esteem, set to the backdrop of a world where appearance is given superficial preeminence over substance. Even in the chaotic world of beauty and aesthetics, the commonalities of humanity inevitably surface, challenging the characters to reassess their preconceived understanding of beauty and purpose.

The film also takes a fascinating look at the American beauty salons and their place in contemporary culture. Each scene is meticulously crafted, capturing the varied aspects of salon life and painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations of those who work in the industry.

Each actor seamlessly blends into their roles, creating this hyper-realistic slice of life that is as ridiculous as it is thought provoking. The storytelling is exceptional – crisp dialogue, entertaining drama, memorable characters, and a balanced mixture of humor and intensity that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Visually, the film is captivating. The setting, the props, the costumes – everything is carefully curated to give the audience a real feel of a bustling beauty salon filled with colorful characters. The filmmakers create a feeling of authenticity and immersion, encapsulating viewers in the vibrant world of the cinema.

Launched in 2018, Skin: The Movie offers a critique of societal fixation on skin-deep beauty and challenges viewers to reevaluate what they understand about personal self-worth and the value of genuine internal beauty. It brings a unique storyline to the screen which not only entertains but also educates, highlighting the pressures of an industry obsessed with appearances and the people who get trapped in its cycle.

Lastly, Skin: The Movie features energy-filled performances, engaging storylines, and incredibly poignant moments delivered with a seamless blend of comedy and drama. If you're looking for an entertaining film that offers real food for thought on society's obsession with beauty, this is undoubtedly one to watch.