

Movie spotlight
Skinflicker
This chilling and provocative faux home movie presents the story of three dissidents and their plan to commit a revolutionary act on film. Bicât and scriptwriter Howard Brenton explore the consequences and co-option of political violence with hard, grubby directness and a pre-punk, semi-nihilistic attack on bourgeois values.
Insights
Plot Summary
A deranged killer known as the 'Puzzler' is loose in Los Angeles, leaving behind a trail of dismembered victims. The police are baffled by the seemingly random nature of the murders and the killer's modus operandi. Detective Miles Corbin is assigned to the case, but as he delves deeper, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that suggests the murders might be more connected than they appear.
Critical Reception
Skinflicker is a notorious exploitation film from the early 1970s, known more for its graphic violence and sensationalist marketing than its critical merit. It has garnered a cult following among fans of the genre but is generally dismissed by mainstream critics as a low-budget, gratuitous thriller.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its raw, no-holds-barred approach to violence and suspense.
Criticized for its thin plot, uneven acting, and gratuitous gore.
Considered a prime example of 1970s exploitation cinema.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely polarized, with some viewers appreciating its gritty atmosphere and shock value, while others find it excessively violent and lacking in substance.
Fun Fact
The film was controversially marketed with graphic posters and taglines, contributing to its notoriety as a boundary-pushing exploitation picture of its era.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources