IN THEIR SKIN

In Their Skin (15)

Director: Jeremy Power Regimbal
Screenplay: Joshua Close, Justin Tyler Close
Starring: Selma Blair, James D'Arcy

How far would you go to be perfect?

Suburban horror and “home-invasion” movies seem to be a popular flavour within the genre at the moment. There have been recent notable films such as the nihilistic “The Strangers” (2008), and the UK hoodie-horror of “Cherry Tree Lane” (2010). The benchmark is probably both of the versions of Michael Haneke’s “Funny Games” (1997 / 2007). It’s a subject that seems to be constantly re-invigorating itself with the much-anticipated “You’re Next” (2013) due for release shortly. More than many sub-genres, there’s something instinctively disturbing about innocent families, secure within their own properties, either being terrorised by violent intruders or betrayed by those they take into their homes. It’s the element of randomness that surround the crimes, the feeling of never being totally protected from the world’s evils, and the feeling that it’s entirely plausible that it could happen to you … we’ve all seen the news headlines. Shown at the Tribeca Film Festival and released in the USA in late 2012, “In Their Skin” is a new addition to this sub-genre. Directed by Jeremy Power Regimbal, and starring Selma Blair and James D’Arcy, it is now available on UK (region 2) DVD.

The film opens with a car pursuing a half-dressed (and seemingly injured) man across a bridge, culminating with a figure leaving the car and apparently killing him. The narrative then switches to the Hughes family, driving to their secluded backwoods residence.  Mary (Selma Blair), Mark (Josh Close), and their son (Brendan) are also withdrawing from their city home to escape the grief of losing their daughter in a car accident. Understandably, the parents are united in grief, but seemingly divided in other ways. Mary particularly is withdrawn and seems over-protective of Brendan. As they settle into their luxury cottage, they are spooked by a mystery car driving past, and then awoken in the morning by a family of strangers. Bizarrely replenishing their firewood at 5am (!), they introduce themselves as the Sakowskis and consist of parents Bobby (James D’Arcy) and Jane (Rachel Miner), as well as (way-too-big-for-his-age) Jared (Alex Ferris). From that point onwards the Sakowskis try to ingratiate themselves into the home of the Hughes. Unwisely perhaps, Mark invites them for an evening meal. During the meal, Bobby makes reference to a previous family living in the area, and constantly quizzes Mark on his lifestyle and relations. Freaked out enough, a violent altercation between the boys is the last straw, and the Hughes throw them out. But that’s only the beginning of their troubles and a long night awaits them …

This is a cold film and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. The story is set at the end of winter, the colours (the brightest of which is probably dull orange) are muted throughout the film, and the relationships between all the leading players are frosty to say the least. In terms of content and style, this movie is probably closest to “Funny Games”, a film I’ll admit I’m not particularly fond of. However, it does differ in a number of certain ways, and is a good genre film in its own right.
There’s not a lot of the “red stuff” or huge amounts of violence in the film, but what it does do to an exemplary manner is suspense and tension. Although obviously slightly “off”, it’s halfway through the film before the Sakowskis get overtly confrontational. Up until then, the film crackles with understated menace. James D’Arcy in particular gives a storming performance as “Bob”. Part Joe Pesci (he even says “do you find it funny” and takes umbrage to being called “crazy”) and part Jack Nicholson, he constantly simmers with indignation and rage over perceived slights, even when he’s turning on the charm. When he does let rip, you can pretty much believe that he’ll do anything to achieve his goal.

The reason for the Hughes being targeted (*slight spoiler* - It’s not really a random attack), and the true nature of Bob’s “family” account for some of the best parts of the film. It’s especially skin-crawling to see Jane attempt to mimic Mary’s actions and posture at particular points in the film. This is further amplified when “Bob” starts to “mix” their names up and visually changes himself. In some respects the whole film could be seen as rumination on the American family culture; what separates the classes, the unfairness of poverty gaps, and what the nature of a perfect family actually is. Nonetheless the threatened sexual violence towards Mary and the very real threat of death to Brendan makes for some tension-filled scenes.
It must be said though, that despite the “art-house” sheen and cinematography, and the effective performances, there isn’t anything here that’s massively original or different to like-minded films. Yes, the Sakowskis DO have a motive for their actions, but their back-story is never really elaborated on, bar some single-line synopses. Also, there are several dark secrets hinted at for the Hughes but that is never really filled out either. And sometimes plausibility is a little stretched, after all if your child was threatened with a knife, wouldn’t you call the police straight away or high-tail it outta there? In one strange moment as well, Mary reminisces about her first meeting with Mark, that occurs at such an inappropriate time it reminded me of Phoebe Cate’s and her Santa Claus story in “Gremlins”!

As a whole though, this is a good effective film worthy of your time. I’m not aware of a theatrical release in the UK, which seems a shame.  All the cast give good performances alongside D’Arcy, especially Alex Ferris, who plays such an evil little git, that you’d happily slam him with a crowbar, let alone an ASBO!  And I have to admit that Jeremy Power Regimbal does a very good job of tightening the tension with the climatic scenes.

If nothing else, this is a timely reminder to kids, as to why you should NEVER rub someone’s face in it, when you beat them at “Call of Duty”!

DVD Extras: Skin-less. No extras.

 

A very effective twist on the “home-invasion” sub-genre. With moments of high tension and suspense, coupled with a killer performance from James D’Arcy, this is well worth viewing.