Is Under My Dark Skin Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2020 release of Under My Dark Skin stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Morena is a trans woman who lives together with her elderly mother, keeping a harmonious relationship. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Morena is a trans woman who lives together with her elderly mother, keeping a harmonious relationship. Morena has been working in a textile factory for several years. She has two transvestite friends, one of them is Claudia, who is a teacher and has just accessed to her first employment as substitute; another is the very young and beautiful Myriam, immersed in a maelstrom of excesses linked to prostitution with police protection. Morena discovers that Ricardo, her current partner, has lied to her from the first moment, that he is married and is the father of two children, so she decides to end the relationship."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Morena Yfrán does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by José Celestino Campusano is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 93 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Under My Dark Skin truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Under My Dark Skin explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and José Celestino Campusano respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Under My Dark Skin is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Morena Yfrán or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Under My Dark Skin is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.