"As fresh and conceptually far-reaching as a David Cronenberg film... traffics in body ambivalence more than body horror, striking an eerie, wistful tone."—William Repass, Slant Magazine
"A poetic and profound gem."—Chase Hutchinson, Collider
"An unexpected and moving portrait of love as rooted in acceptance."—Elena Lazic, Cineuropa
Seeking a retreat where they can salvage their struggling relationship, young couple Leyla (Mala Emde) and Tristan (Jonas Dassler) travel to a remote island at the invitation of Leyla’s childhood friend Stella, where it soon becomes clear that what the island offers is more mysterious than a simple vacation. Leyla and Tristan join another couple in a ritual to exchange bodies and see the world through the eyes of someone else – a chance to find themselves or, for some of them, a chance at escape. Subverting genre and gender as it toggles from body swap thriller to intimate relationship drama, SKIN DEEP tells a story that transcends bodies, embracing the endless fluid possibilities in the question of what it means to truly love someone. Winner of the Queer Lion at the Venice Film Festival and directed by Student Academy Award® winner Alex Schaad.