Skin Deep

At first glance, Leyla and Tristan are a happy couple. When they travel to a mysterious island, a game of identities begins that changes everything – their perception, their sexuality, their entire selves. But not only their relationship threatens to break up. They may even never be who they used to be again…

The start of this film reminded me a little of "Midsommar" (2019) as "Leyla" (Mala Emde) and loving boyfriend "Tristan" (Jonas Dassler) arrive on a remote island where she knows the elder. Initially, it has the feeling of a kibbutz to it - they all sit around drinking and chatting, and meet "Mo" (Dimitrij Schaad) and "Fabienne" (Matyam Zaree) then we discover the true purpose of their stay. They can swap identities. Essentially, by walking through a pool of waster they can transfer their essence from one body to another. What now ensues are permutations of relationships between the four characters that challenge their own feelings for each other as well as their sexualities and the strength of their affections and of their own character. It turns out that the father of "Leyla" had lived here for some time, before his death, in a relationship with "Roman"(Thomas Wodianka) and some swapping with him causes joy and pain in equal measure and tests the mettle of all. The story is quite intriguing, it is quite difficult to remember who is (really) who and as we see the characterisations open up, it is quite quirkily delivered. Sadly, though, the writing is really rather dreary and the acting - save for Wodianka - really doesn't live up to the promise of the narrative. It's beautifully shot and there are a few character actors to give it a sort of community feel to it, but somehow the lack of some more heavyweight talent leaves it all just a bit sterile and adrift. It's worth a watch though - if only because it questions many of the established principles of linear sexuality and personality.