Cold Skin

Cold Skin is a 2017 science-fiction horror film directed by Xavier Gens and based on the 2002 novel of the same name by Spanish author Albert Sánchez Piñol. The movie stars Ray Stevenson, David Oakes, and Aura Garrido in the lead roles.

Set in 1914, the story begins with a young meteorologist named Friend (David Oakes) arriving on a remote island off the coast of Antarctica to observe the climate. The only other inhabitant of the island is Gruner (Ray Stevenson), a taciturn lighthouse keeper who seems to be at odds with the creatures that live in the water surrounding the island.

As Friend settles into his new surroundings, he discovers that the island is not what it seems. Every night, hordes of amphibious humanoids come out of the sea and launch an attack on the lighthouse, which Gruner fights off with a barrage of dynamite.

Despite Gruner's warnings to stay locked in his room at night, Friend grows increasingly curious about the creatures, especially when he encounters one of them up close. After befriending a female amphibian (Aura Garrido) and witnessing the violent treatment she and her kind receive at Gruner's hands, Friend begins to question the morality of killing creatures that are simply trying to survive in their own habitat.

As tensions between Gruner and Friend come to a head and the amphibians launch a massive assault on the lighthouse, the true nature of the island's inhabitants is revealed, leading to a shocking and climactic finale.

Cold Skin is a film that defies easy categorization. Part horror movie, part survival tale, and part philosophical treatise on human nature, it succeeds on multiple levels thanks to strong performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a script that is both thought-provoking and harrowing.

At its core, the movie is a story about the clash between civilization and nature, and the ways in which fear and misunderstanding can lead to horrific consequences. Gruner, with his dogged determination to kill the amphibians at any cost, represents the worst impulses of humanity, while Friend's growing empathy for the creatures shows the potential for compassion and understanding.

The film is also notable for its stunning visuals, which make expert use of the harsh Antarctic landscape and the eerie glow of the lighthouse to create a haunting mood. The amphibians themselves are realized through a combination of special effects and practical makeup, and are both disturbing and oddly beautiful to behold.

In terms of performances, Ray Stevenson dominates as the grizzled and uncompromising Gruner, imbuing the character with equal parts menace and pathos. David Oakes is equally strong as Friend, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that makes his evolution over the course of the film all the more satisfying. Aura Garrido, while not given as much to do as her male co-stars, is a standout as the enigmatic amphibian, conveying both vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.

Despite its many strengths, Cold Skin is not a film for everyone. The violence and horror on display can be difficult to stomach at times, and the movie's more philosophical themes may come across as heavy-handed to some viewers. However, for those willing to engage with its ideas and be swept up in its haunting imagery, it is an experience not to be missed.