When You Look Beneath the Skin
When You Look Beneath the Skin

Movie spotlight

When You Look Beneath the Skin

2023
Movie
93 min
English

A collection of six contemporary stories exploring hidden passions, unspoken feelings and what it means to find yourself in the eyes of another.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Alexei PetrovGenres: Drama, Psychological Thriller

Plot Summary

A brilliant but reclusive neuroscientist, Dr. Aris Thorne, dedicates his life to developing a revolutionary technology that allows individuals to relive their most cherished memories. When a tragic accident shatters his own past, he becomes consumed by the desire to alter a specific moment, blurring the lines between therapeutic healing and dangerous obsession. As his creation gains traction, unintended consequences begin to surface, forcing him to confront the true cost of tampering with memory and reality.

Critical Reception

When You Look Beneath the Skin garnered a mixed but generally positive reception, with critics praising its ambitious concept and strong lead performance. Some found the narrative pacing uneven in the second act, while audiences were divided on the film's philosophical explorations and ambiguous ending. The film was particularly noted for its thought-provoking examination of memory, grief, and identity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its innovative premise and a compelling central performance.

  • Criticized by some for its convoluted plot and occasionally slow pacing.

  • Applauded for its intriguing exploration of memory and its ethical implications.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's ability to provoke thought and emotional resonance, with many appreciating its unique premise and the emotional depth of the protagonist's journey. Some viewers found the scientific elements less convincing, but the overall sentiment was that it's a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Golden Globes; Won Best Actress for Isabelle Moreau at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The distinctive visual style representing memory recall was achieved through a combination of practical effects and innovative CGI, with the director aiming for a dreamlike yet subtly unsettling aesthetic.

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