Rub Me Right

A teenage boy develops a disturbing obsession with his own skin, leading him to compulsively pick and scratch at himself. His escalating self-harm and peculiar behaviors isolate him from his peers and family, pushing him further into a dark and disturbing world of his own making.

Rub Me Right was met with a mixed but generally positive reception, praised for its bold and unsettling premise, unique tone, and strong performances, particularly from its young cast. Critics noted its distinctive blend of dark humor and genuine pathos, though some found its subject matter challenging and its narrative occasionally uneven.

• Praised for its originality and unflinching exploration of a disturbing psychological theme.

• Lauded for its dark humor and surprisingly empathetic portrayal of an isolated protagonist.

• Noted for being a challenging but memorable viewing experience.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a thought-provoking and unsettling watch, appreciating its unconventional approach to difficult themes. While some found it disturbing, many were captivated by its unique narrative and the vulnerability of the main character.

Director Richard Bates Jr. drew inspiration for the film's unsettling themes from his own experiences with dermatillomania (skin-picking disorder) as a child.