IN MY SKIN (2003) Directed by Marina de Van

A disturbing, well done interpretation of a compulsive disorder winning the battle against an otherwise normal, well-balanced woman. This French psychodrama stars Marina de Van as “Esther,” who also wrote and directed the film. Esther manages to get an accidental gash on her leg while attending a party, which begins the abnormal obsession with the wound. She gets so deeply fixated that she loses herself in it completely. She can no longer relate to anything in the outside world (boyfriend, new job, friendships) as this obsession with her wounds overcomes her sense of self. It is truly sad and eerily easy to relate to, as it’s quite common for most people to have compulsions they’d rather not share. It’s agonizingly sad because that’s just the way it is and always will be. Esther comes to the realization that she has chosen this path of self-mutilation, a sort of self-absorbed happiness/psychosis, and accepts that she will suffer the consequences in the other aspects of her life.

*Note-This is NOT something to watch if you feel even remotely nauseous or squeamish! I have watched a lot of gore in my day, but (possibly because it’s more of an emotional horror) I must admit I almost vomited during one distinct gruesome scene. I felt sorry for her, yet bewildered that she would take it that far. I really appreciate this movie for what it is, and kudos for having the balls to depict such a low-key addiction.