The Skin I Live In (2011)
Kernel Score: 85% · 4,553 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Released: 2011-08-17
Runtime: 120 minutes
Is The Skin I Live In worth watching?
Worth watching. A dark, stylish and twisted thriller from Almodóvar about a surgeon's obsession. It's bold and strange, and the less you know the better.
Watch it if you
- like psychological thrillers
- enjoy Almodóvar's style
- can handle disturbing stories
Skip it if you
- dislike disturbing content
- want a straightforward thriller
Best for: Late-night thriller
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Skin I Live In
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A brilliant plastic surgeon creates a synthetic skin that withstands any kind of damage. His guinea pig: a mysterious and volatile woman who holds the key to his obsession.
The Skin I Live In parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Skin I Live In is a disturbing R-rated thriller involving captivity, forced surgery, and sexual violence themes.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes captivity, non-consensual surgery, and revenge-driven violence.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Involves a forced sex change and other explicit sexual content central to the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Skin I Live In
If you liked The Skin I Live In, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Talk to Her (2002) — 87%: Another Almodóvar story of strange love
- Broken Embraces (2009) — 82%: Almodóvar's intense melodrama
- Open Your Eyes (1997) — 84%: Mind-bending, haunting thriller
- Oldboy (2003) — 89%: Obsessive revenge thriller
- Bad Education (2004) — 84%: Almodóvar noir
- Psycho (1960) — 91%: Classic psychological horror
Director
Cast
- Antonio Banderas as Dr. Robert Ledgard
- Elena Anaya as Vera Cruz / Gal
- Marisa Paredes as Marilia
- Jan Cornet as Vicente
- Roberto Álamo as Zeca
- Eduard Fernández as Fulgencio
- José Luis Gómez as President of the Institute of Biotechnology
- Blanca Suárez as Norma Ledgard
- Susi Sánchez as Vicente's mother
- Bárbara Lennie as Cristina
The Skin I Live In FAQ
Is The Skin I Live In worth watching?
Worth watching. A dark, stylish and twisted thriller from Almodóvar about a surgeon's obsession. It's bold and strange, and the less you know the better.
Where can I watch The Skin I Live In?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Skin I Live In OK for kids?
The Skin I Live In is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Skin I Live In is a disturbing R-rated thriller involving captivity, forced surgery, and sexual violence themes.
What movies are like The Skin I Live In?
If you liked The Skin I Live In, try Talk to Her, Broken Embraces, Open Your Eyes and Oldboy.