Skin Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Skin Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 28, 2019

“Skin” has the benefit of timing, put into production during a hectic time in American history, with the country experiencing an uptick in exposure to hate groups and crimes, with near daily reminders of unrest brewing across the U.S. Writer/director Guy Nattiv doesn’t shy away from the plain danger of such an uprising, but he’s interested in drilling to the core of the neo-Nazi issue, finding the true story of Bryon Widner to dramatize, giving an impressive tale of evolution a semi-suspenseful approach. “Skin” is frightening, especially when examining how organized hate is managed and unleashed, but the picture isn’t offering an overview of a movement. It’s much more intimate, with Widner’s tale working through tight situations of survival, emerging as an understanding of awareness expanding under impossible living conditions.

Bryon (Jamie Bell) is a member of the Vinlanders Social Club, a white supremacy organization run by Hammer (Bill Camp) and Shareen (Vera Farmiga). He’s a brute, covered in tattoos and barely in control of his impulses, which are often unleashed after heavy drinking and conditioning from Hammer, who’s determined to terrorize the races he loathes. During a hate rally, Bryon is responsible for an assault on a black teenager, escaping prosecution and retreating to the comfort of the VSC’s compound, which is run by Viking law. After meeting Julie (Danielle Macdonald), a single mother of three formerly in the movement, Bryon’s eyes are opened to the reality of the “family” his once trusted, exposed to a better life through love and guardianship. Tasked with exposing participants in hate movements for his One People’s Project, Daryle (Mike Colter) is hoping that Bryon might turn on the VSC and change his ways, but in doing so, the white pride soldier exposes himself to retaliation that threatens the newfound sense of peace he’s discovered.

There’s not a lot of open air in “Skin,” as Nattiv keeps his cameras close to the action to achieve a level of reality to the unfolding drama. Bryon is the focal point of the feature, and the script follows his daily experience in the Vinlanders Social Club, where Hammer rules through practiced hate speech and intimidation, creating a community of skinheads willing to murder those they perceive as American invaders. The story initially details Bryon’s horrifying experience at an Ohio white power rally, furiously marching with a torch before chasing after black counter-protestors, soon taking a knife to a teenager in a dark alley. It’s a potent scene of violence, but the act triggers something within Bryon he doesn’t initially understand, returning to his brotherhood with newfound agitation, hoping to numb himself with endless beers and sex with his girlfriend, April (Louisa Krause). While joined by loyal dog Boss, Bryon is basically on his own, watching at Hammer and Shareen pick up Gavin (Russell Posner), a homeless kid in need of support, finding open arms with the VSC. While he’s witnessed this type of recruitment before, Bryon’s eyes are opened to the manipulation, finally aware that escape may be his next move.

The seduction sequences in “Skin” are remarkable, with Farmiga expertly playing a motherly figure who uses her sexuality to enchant those unprepared for such direct encounters of scripted warmth. And Camp is commanding as Hammer, acting as a general of rabid dogs, using the youth of the VSC to attack outsiders, including a mid-movie scene where the group sets out to burn down a mosque. The toxic air of manipulation clouds Bryon’s ways, but clarity is provided by Julie, who understands the lifestyle and the need to leave it behind, eventually engaging in a relationship with the facially tattooed man, who’s offered purpose beyond his hate for the first time. Conflict between trained normality and domestic salvation is key to “Skin,” as Bryon finds a new family, grasping that the only way to shake off Hammer’s focus on his betrayal is to go to Daryle, who has a growing list of neo-Nazis he’s helped reform, with the black man offering aid to those who’ve committed their lives to destroying his race.

Skin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Skin" is an extremely dark picture to begin with, often selecting limited light sources to illuminate the frame, keeping the audience in the shadows along with Bryon. The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation protects as much frame information as possible, delivering secure delineation, but compression issues are on display, finding banding creeping into backgrounds. Detail is strong throughout, providing a precise read of skin textures during the tattoo removal process, and close-ups offer compelling facial particulars. Colors are often drained to complete the chillier mood of the feature, and darker hues are communicative, offering autumnal presence and symbolic costuming. Signage and graffiti brings out brighter reds and blues. Skintones are natural.

Skin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix captures the intended volatility of "Skin," presenting crisp dialogues exchanges that range from hushed threats and intimate conversations to more aggressive acts of anger. Performances remain emotive and distinct. Scoring needs are met, secured with a sharp sense of stringed instruments, selling the fractured nature of Byron's existence. Live performances are gentle and clear. Atmospherics are evocative, handling group gatherings and seasonal changes, and some panning effects are included to open up heated encounters. Low-end isn't challenged. Sound effects are secure, with snappy gunfire.

Skin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Finding the Humanity: Beneath the Surface of 'Skin'" (17:19, HD) is the film's making-of, with writer/director Guy Nattiv exploring his initial interest in Bryon Widner's story and his work on the "Skin" short, which was made during a downtime in the screenplay's development. Time with the real people behind the story is shared, along with casting achievements, with Nattiv proclaiming that Bell gave "290%" to the role. There's a dissection of Bryon's behavior, with the production working to find the heart of the character. Nattiv also celebrates accomplishments in production design, cinematography, and makeup, with Bell subjected to tattoo application every single morning.

• "Breaking the Cycle" (8:39, HD) is a conversation with Danielle Macdonald, who details her participation in the original "Skin" short film. The interviewee explores the themes of the movie and her close relationship with Bell, working to find the right chemistry for the characters. Additional co-stars are assessed, and Macdonald shares the strangeness of filming the picture's final scenes first.

• "Skin" (20:56, HD) is the original 2018 short from Guy Nattiv, who collected an Academy Award for the film.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Skin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Skin" is intense, and Nattiv gets carried away with pure fury, allowing Bell's fully committed performance to get a little too showy at times, breaking the feature's spell, especially in the third act. It's understandable permissiveness, as the passion of the picture is overwhelming, watching Bryon deal with his past and fight for his future, which includes the painful removal of his tattoos and ongoing violence with the VSC. It's a powerful film with a strong message of hope in the midst of darkness, highlighting remarkable change for one man who was once lost to the undercurrent of hate, only to grasp the full effect of his futility when faced with the power of self-awareness.