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Mysterious Skin
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Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Brady Corbet, Elisabeth Shue, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
  • Summary: Based on the acclaimed novel by Scott Heim, Mysterious Skin explores the hearts and minds of two very different boys who come to find the key to their future happiness lies in the exorcism of their collective demons. (Tartan Films)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    This thoughtful, troubling drama is leagues above the sensationalistic stuff Araki peddled in earlier films.
  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Don R. Lewis
    60
    By the end of Mysterious Skin, I felt physically exhausted but I also felt satisfied at the way it all falls into place.
  3. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Bill White
    25
    Had Araki chosen to illuminate, rather than exploit, the traumatic aftermath of child molestation, his wallow in the horrors of Mysterious Skin might have had a purpose. As it stands, his film is just another trashy look at America as the land of imbecilic perverts.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. PaulaS.
    10
    One of the most harrowing and strangely touching movies I've seen in many years. The writing and acting are equally terrific.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. SiriusC.
    10
    This movie was the best depiction on child abuse I've ever seen. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is amazing. The matter in focus is the most delicate subject you can ever put into live pictures, and yet, Gregg Araki manage to put in two seperate storylines, which in the end, connects.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. MattA.
    1
    Just because the film tackles a taboo subject like molestation and sex with minors doesn't mean that it's good. Ridiculously acted (especially you 3rd rock from the sun kid), terribly written, and directed with about as much subtlety as a sledge hammer to the head, this film easily wins my award for not only most overrated film of the year, but the worst film as well. Kenneth Turan is a grade-A boner for saying this is the best film of the year, and I will never trust his reviews again because of it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 35 User Reviews

Trailers

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