KathleenPrieto
Directed by David O’Donnell
Written by David O’Donnell
Starring Liv Hewson, Bobbi Salvör Menuez, Alexis Denisoff, Alex Russell
US Premiere
Under My Skin explores gender identity and romantic relationships with two lead characters.
Denny is a free-spirited artist who is played by four different non-binary/trans non-binary actors. They fall for straight-laced lawyer Ryan and young love reigns until Denny begins to explore their gender. Ryan’s expectations of a partner are challenged as Denny struggles to find their true self.
The film depicts a modern-day romance where there’s no lack of love, but a disconnect between what each person views as socially acceptable and what they really are, or what is under their skin.
This is one of the first films to address non-binary gender as part of the plot, and it does it very well. It shows the stress and confusion for those who undergo the process of discovering their identity and the struggles of their loved ones who try to adjust.
An interesting choice was to have the lead character played by four different people. It paid off and added an extra layer to the complexities of Denny’s feelings.
At its core, the film is about two people in love trying to understand themselves and one another.
Under My Skin Trailer #1 from David O’Donnell on Vimeo.
The 36th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by UGG, will take place March 31st through April 10th, 2021 online and at two free ocean-front drive-in theatres. More information, festival passes and tickets are available at.
