The Skin I Live In

THEMES

• Abuse of power

  Dr. Ledgard exploits his medical expertise for unethical experiments.
• Alienation

  Vera feels disconnected from her past identity and imprisoned in a new form.
• Betrayal

  Dr. Ledgard deceives and manipulates the people around him for his own agenda.
• Crime

  The film revolves around kidnapping, unethical medical experiments, and revenge.
• Darkness and light

  The film's visual style emphasizes stark contrasts to reflect moral ambiguity.
• Despair

  Vera struggles with the psychological torment of her transformation.
• Fear

  The fear of losing one’s autonomy and identity drives the film’s horror.
• Guilt

  Dr. Ledgard is haunted by the loss of his wife and daughter, leading to his obsession.
• Identity

  Vera grapples with a forced transformation and the loss of her former self.
• Loss

  The film explores grief, the loss of loved ones, and personal identity.
• Madness

  Dr. Ledgard’s obsessive pursuit of scientific perfection descends into insanity.
• Manipulation

  Dr. Ledgard controls and deceives Vera, stripping away her agency.
• Morality

  The film questions the ethics of scientific advancement and personal vengeance.
• Power

  Dr. Ledgard's status as a surgeon gives him unchecked control over his victim.
• Sadness

  The film is steeped in tragedy and emotional suffering.
• Secrets

  The true nature of Vera’s identity and the doctor's experiments are revealed gradually.
• Society

  The film critiques the pursuit of physical perfection and medical ethics.
• Suffering

  Vera endures psychological and physical torment throughout the film.
• Survival

  Vera must navigate her captivity and plan an escape.
• Tragedy

  The film tells a tragic tale of obsession, revenge, and lost identity.
• Violence

  The film features disturbing scenes of surgery, captivity, and revenge.