Review of The Man Who Sold His Skin (2021) by Bertobellamy — 05 Feb 2022

Ok, director Kaouther Ben Hania sure had good intentions, but I think 'The Man Who Sold his Skin' is a misfire.

Although Sam — a Syrian refugee who sells his back to a renowned artist to turn it into a work of art, so he can travel to Europe and meet his lover — is a very charismatic protagonist, his journey feels offensive to Syrian people. Ben Hania trivializes the suffering of a society at war with a cruel satire about a guy who, later, craves the "freedom" he had back home. The main problem with it is that the story forgets that thousands of men and women are still fleeing the country in search of real freedom. 'The Man Who Sold His Skin' completely forgets about it.

The film, of course, criticizes exploitation, but, slowly, becomes exactly what is pointing at: taking advantage of those who cannot defend themselves. Also, Ben Hania's screenplay struggles at developing other characters. Abeer, Sam's lover, is just an accessory to the plot; and Jeffrey, the artist, solely explains to the public what the story is all about. Oh, and there's a Monica Bellucci jumpscare.

In my opinion, only 'Another Round' and 'Quo Vadis, Aida?' deserved the Academy Award nomination for Best International Film last year. I really would love to know what Syrian refugees think of this.