Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin is an engrossing television series that aired on HBO Canada from 2014 to 2016. Renowned for its careful curation of emotionally resonant narratives and multidimensional characters, this award-winning Canadian black comedy-drama firmly situates itself in contemporary culture with its incisive exploration of aging, identity, and the myriad complexities of modern life.

Based on a successful British series of the same name, the Canadian adaptation of Sensitive Skin was spearheaded and produced by Kim Cattrall, who brings an enthralling intensity to the leading role of Davina Jackson, a former model now grappling with the confusion and anxiety of middle age. Full of melancholy and introspection, the narrative provides a thoughtful exposition of the realization of transience and the fear of unfulfilled potential.

Set against the backdrop of Toronto, Davina and her longtime husband Al Jackson, played by Don McKellar, navigate the trials and tribulations of a seemingly comfortable life, triggered into turmoil by the unavoidable anxieties of aging. Most of the story takes place in the decorated corridors of their sleek, modern condo, a significant shift from their long-time residency in a cozy Victorian house — presenting a physical manifestation of the couple's transition and the desire for rejuvenation.

The change of surroundings becomes a portal to new experiences, unconventional relationships, and self-discovery, transforming the seemingly mundane into a breeding ground for existential concerns. Each episode meticulously peels back a layer of the couple’s past and present, dissecting their relationships, fears, dreams, and the pressing question of what they want their futures to be.

Characteristic of its genre, Sensitive Skin masterfully intertwines humour with profound emotional depths. The dialogue is snappy, characterized by quick wit and irreverence, something that becomes a coping mechanism for the characters as they confront their mortality and the progression of time.

The show's pace is deliberately contemplative, mirroring the internal reflections of its characters. Its cinematography pairs perfectly with the tonality of the series, highlighting the beauty and isolation of urban life while accentuating intense moments of psychological apprehension with acute precision. Moreover, the sound design and the original score play an integral part in setting the emotional landscape of the series — ranging from whimsical to unnerving, just like the characters navigating through life's uncertainties.

The acting performances are truly noteworthy. Kim Cattrall, far from her iconic role as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, gives a nuanced portrayal of Davina, capturing the doubts, vulnerabilities, and desires of a woman caught in the riptides of change. Don McKellar complements her splendidly with his portrayal of Al, providing an empathetic depiction of a man experiencing a midlife crisis in his unique way. The rest of the cast, including renowned Canadian and international actors, deliver compelling performances, enriching the narrative with more perspectives on the same themes.

Sensitive Skin is more than just a comedy-drama — it is a social commentary subtly laying bare the struggles of aging, the weight of societal expectations, and the desire to break free from inhibitive patterns. It does so by showcasing the power and complexity of the human condition, playing out through myriad emotions and absorbing storylines.

The 12-episode series, deftly directed by multiple award-winning Canadian directors, ultimately presents a distinctive blend of humour, pathos, and humanity. Sensitive Skin sparks conversations and leaves its audience pondering over the themes it presents, long after the end credits have rolled.

In a nutshell, Sensitive Skin is a poignant exploration of life, its uncertainties, and its inevitabilities. The series holds up a reflective mirror to viewers, meeting a wide range of reactions — from denial and discomfort to acceptance and enlightenment. It may not provide answers, but it does succeed in highlighting the questions that torment the human mind, soul, and, indeed, skin, as we advance in years.