Skin Deep

Skin Deep is an emotive Australian drama film from 2015, directed by Jonny Nasser, and featuring Zara Zoe, James Collette, and Jeanie Drynan in the lead roles. Tying together themes of friendship, compassion, love, loss, and the enormous battles we deal with on our internal front, Skin Deep offers audiences a profound yet harrowing journey that lingers long after the credits roll.

At the center of Skin Deep is Leah, a budding writer brought to life by Zara Zoe's adept and vulnerable performance. The curtain rises on her world shortly after she is diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. She finds herself terrified and bewildered, grappling with mortality at such a young age. Instead of manifesting overt drama and tear-jerking moments from the outset, the film takes a refreshingly poignant approach, primarily focusing on Leah's internal struggle.

James Collette essays the role of Caitlin, an eccentric yet opaque character that Leah bumps into. Despite her own storms brewing within, Caitlin's unorthodox free spirit and unwavering joie de vivre cut through Leah's morose demeanor. Their encounter, seemingly accidental, unfolds into a promising friendship that forms the heart of the narrative. Caitlin serves as Leah's pillar of strength, encouraging her to confront, rather than evade her own fears and weaknesses.

In a supporting but significant role is Jeanie Drynan, enacting Leah's mother Judy. Drynan's portrayal of Judy reveals a mother's silent despair and helplessness embedded in her visage as she watches her daughter confront the uncertainty of life. However, her optimism never fades and she continues to be a source of unfaltering, unconditional love for Leah.

What sets Skin Deep apart from most films that deal with similar subjects is the singular perspective it places its narrative in, ensuring the story stays as intimate to its central characters as possible. Nasser remains conscious about not allowing the film to venture into melodramatic or overtly deterministic facets that are often associated with films exploring disease, death, and survival.

The film explores emotional landscapes of despair and hope, the fragility and strength of human bonds, and the capacity of the human spirit to endure through adversity. It draws attention to the idea that we all are 'skin deep,' battling our own internal struggles unseen by the world around us, yet capable of extending and receiving compassion and support in our shared human experience.

An essential supporting character in Skin Deep is the city of Sydney itself, where the movie is set. The beautiful urban tapestry of the city is expertly captured and utilized in the film, its lights and sounds reflecting off Leah's journey, creating a sense of resonance that is both insightful and authentic.

Nasser's approach is gently compelling, exuding an understated depth and genuine authenticity in both the writing and direction. His focus on organic emotion and intertwined human relationships, set against the backdrop of life's grand existential canvas, results in a narrative that is both compelling and profoundly engaging.

Performances across the board are remarkable. Zara Zoe delivers a powerfully nuanced performance that readers may find deeply relatable, and she effectively embodies the pain, despair, fear, but also the steely determination and evolving hope that her character experiences. James Collette's portrayal of Caitlin is charismatic and haunting in equal measure, as she skilfully navigates the complexities and subtleties of her character arc. Jeanie Drynan leaves a memorable mark as the loving yet desolate mother, effortlessly invoking empathy and admiration.

Skin Deep is, at its core, a tender narrative about finding inner strength amidst the disarray of life, and the extraordinary power of human connection in the face of struggle. It’s a film that delicately portrays the fear and dread that comes with serious illness, but more importantly, it showcases the resilience and capacity to connect, adapt, and continue amid uncertainty.

In summary, Skin Deep is a profoundly moving experience that goes beyond the surface, offering audiences a sensitive, insightful, and ultimately uplifting exploration of life, loss, courage, and connection. Each scene is infused with raw emotion and truth, making it a compelling watch for those seeking a poignant, thought-provoking cinematic journey.