Skin Deep

by Alex Schaad

The daring feature film debut from Student Oscar Winner Alex Schaad, studded with an ecclectic cast led by Mala Emde (And Tomorrow The Entire World, 303) and Jonas Dassler (The Golden Glove)

At first glance, Leyla and Tristan seem like the perfect young couple. They're traveling together to a remote island, to where Leyla's childhood friend Stella has invited them. However, it soon becomes clear that something mysterious is going on. Numerous couples have arrived during the final days of summer to see the world through the eyes of someone else. Leyla and Tristan meet Fabienne and Mo over a festive dinner. They perform the ritual of exchange and experience the change in their perceptions. Leyla, in particular, has never been happier, but when she refuses to return to her old self, the situation threatens to spiral out of control

Genre / Language / Length
Drama / German / 103 minutes
Original title
Skin Deep
directed by
Alex Schaad (INVENTION OF TRUST, SKIN DEEP)
director of photography
Ahmed El Nagar (THE LOVE EUROPE PROJECT, INVENTION OF TRUST)
screenplay by
Dimitrij SchaadAlex Schaad
produced by
Walker + Worm Film in co-production with Bayrischer Rundfunk and Donndorffilm
Cast
  • Mala Emde (AND TOMORROW THE ENTIRE WORLD, 303)
  • Jonas Dassler (THE GOLDEN GLOVE)
  • Maryam Zaree (4 BLOCKS, UNDINE)
  • Dimitrij Schaad (KILLING EVE, THE KANGAROO CHRONICLES)
  • Thomas Wodianka (SNOWMAN'S LAND)
  • Edgar Selge (POLL, THE EXPERIMENT)
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Press Quotes

"Critic's pick! A sensitive relationship drama in sci-fi trappings… it starts from a simple premise: What if you could go to a body-swapping retreat?"
Alissa Wilkinson, The New York Times

"As fresh and conceptually far-reaching as a David Cronenberg film."
William Repass, Slant Magazine

"Witty, provocative... A body-swap film with a difference."
Allan Hunter, Screen International

“Wields a science fiction conceit… to tear down walls of gender, sexuality, psychology, and identity itself."
Jared Mobarak, The Film Stage

"An unexpected and moving portrait of love."
Elena Lazic, Cineuropa

Selected Festivals & Awards

Venice International Critic's Week
18th Zurich Film Festival
Film Festival Hamburg
Seville European Film Festival
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