Perfect Skin

Perfect Skin is a 2018 thriller and horror movie featuring a young girl who dreams of being a model but ultimately gets sucked into the seedy underworld of the tattoo industry. The film stars Richard Brake as a tattoo artist named Bob, who lures the main character, Katia played by Natalia Kostrzewa, into his den of iniquity.

The movie is set in London, and it follows the story of Katia, a young and ambitious girl who is convinced that getting a tattoo will help her land a job as a model. She visits a tattoo parlor, where she meets Bob, who offers her a deal she can't refuse: a free tattoo in exchange for helping him with his work. Katia agrees, and soon she is drawn into Bob's world. But as she becomes more and more involved in his work, she realizes that she's in way over her head.

The movie does a great job of exploring the psychological underpinnings of the tattoo industry. The tattoos that Bob creates are not just images, but also symbols that have deep meaning for his clients. Bob uses his tattooing skills to manipulate and control his clients, and this becomes obvious as the movie progresses. The film also delves into the darker side of the tattoo subculture, with references to racism, sexism, and violence. These themes are handled with sensitivity and intelligence, and they serve to make the movie more interesting and challenging.

The acting is superb throughout the movie, with Richard Brake delivering a standout performance as Bob. He is both menacing and charismatic, and he manages to create a character who is simultaneously compelling and repulsive. Natalia Kostrzewa is also excellent as Katia, and she brings a vulnerability and naivety to the role that make her character sympathetic and relatable.

The cinematography is another standout feature of the movie. The rich color palette and exquisite lighting create a dark and moody atmosphere that perfectly complements the story. The extreme close-ups and slow-motion shots are also used effectively to heighten tension and create a sense of unease.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the way it explores the theme of identity. Katia is searching for her true identity, and she believes that getting a tattoo will help her discover who she really is. But as she becomes more involved with Bob and his clients, she begins to realize that her quest for identity is a dangerous one. This theme is handled with subtlety and nuance, and it adds depth and complexity to the movie.

All in all, Perfect Skin is a well-crafted and intelligent thriller that explores the darker side of the tattoo industry. It features outstanding performances, beautiful cinematography, and challenging themes that will make viewers think long after the movie is over.