Rent Mysterious Skin (2004)

Not what I thought. - Mysterious Skin review by CP Customer

Expecting to watch a film about alien abduction only to find this a film about the sexual abuse of two young boys.In some places I found it very hard to watch as the subject isn't glossed over but shown I thought in it's full horror.I found this film quite depressing.

Sex Crime - Mysterious Skin review by Steve

Harrowing account of the lifelong trauma suffered by survivors of sexual abuse. Some critics protested this might potentially be of interest to the predators, but for most of us, this is impossible to know. It more obviously extends profound empathy to the victims.

And it has rare value as it cut through to a wider audience via the arthouse circuit. There's a breakout role for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as a swaggering, charismatic rent boy who retains memories of being abused as an eight year old by his baseball coach.

He is matched by Brady Corbet as an emotionally frozen teenager who has suppressed his memory with nightmares of alien abduction. And this leaves a surreal, dreamy impression, enhanced by the woozy shoegaze soundtrack and weird '80s midwest atmos.

This is clearly not for everyone. There are explicit descriptions of gay sex and some violence. It's especially disturbing in the earlier scenes... But it is sensitively directed by Gregg Araki, who creates an imaginative and illuminating insight into the lives of strangers.

A realistic look at the aftermath of sexual abuse - Mysterious Skin review by CP Customer

The story of 'Mysterious Skin' revolves around the lives of two teenagers, who as young boys were sexually abused by their little league coach. As older teens they are both suffering in different ways. Brian is obsessed with aliens, has nosebleeds and blackouts, and Neil has become a promiscuous gay hustler. Though slowly they're now starting to realise what happened to them in their past and how their lives are now falling apart. Although the story is painfully disturbing and depressing, it's also has some lighter funny lines and situations, though it's certainly not an easy film to watch; and the troubling subject matter is never served in a palatable manner. The two main characters endure hell, only then to have it go from bad to worse throughout. However, it's probably some of the best acting you'll see for a long while, Brady Corbet as 'Brian' is absolutely heart breaking to watch as he portrays his character perfectly, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as 'Neil' is quite simply incredible.