Review of Knives and Skin (2019) by Brent_Marchant — 14 Dec 2019

Although somewhat meandering at times, this refreshingly experimental, eloquently metaphorical, profoundly poetic look at the joys and challenges of coming of age in a pervasively dysfunctional world offers a truly original story unlike anything most viewers have probably ever seen.

With nods to the likes of David Lynch, Paul Thomas Anderson and others, director Jennifer Reeder serves up a frequently absurd, frequently hilarious, but sincerely heartfelt tale about a community of lost souls seeking to find their way with virtually no guidance to help show them the way, save for hard-fought looks within that gradually help them to get a grip on their lives and futures.

Exquisitely shot with inventive lighting, striking cinematography, and a production design lavishly peppered with neon and pastels, these elements perfectly complement its razor-sharp script and an atmospheric soundtrack that consists mostly of beautifully performed choral versions of pop songs.

This one isn't for everyone, but it surely gives everybody much to ponder -- and an undeniable desire to want to watch it multiple times.