In My Mother’s Skin Prime Video Movie Review - Visually Stunning and Deeply Unsettling

In My Mother's Skin, a Filipino horror film directed by Kenneth Dagatan is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling folk tale that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The film, which is set during World War II in the Philippines, tells the story of a young girl named Tala who must protect her family from a malevolent fairy who is determined to devour them all.

The film opens with Tala and her family trapped in their mansion, which is surrounded by Japanese soldiers. Tala's father, Aldo, has gone to seek help from the Americans, and her mother's health is rapidly deteriorating. Desperate for help, Tala turns to a fairy named Tikbalang, who offers to protect her family in exchange for a favor.

Tala agrees to Tikbalang's terms but soon realizes that she has made a terrible mistake. Tikbalang is not what she seems, and she has no intention of helping Tala and her family. Instead, Tikbalang plans to devour them all. Tala must now use all of her cunning and courage to protect her family from Tikbalang. She must also confront her own inner demons and learn to accept her true nature.

In My Mother's Skin is a film that is rich in symbolism and allegory. On one level, the film can be interpreted as a coming-of-age story about a young girl who must learn to accept her true nature. Tala is a complex and conflicted character, and her journey is both challenging and rewarding.

Tala's transformation is reflected in her physical appearance. When she first meets Tikbalang, Tala is a young and innocent girl. However, as she becomes more entangled in Tikbalang's web, Tala begins to transform into something more monstrous. Her skin becomes pale and her eyes become dark and sunken. She also develops sharp teeth and claws.

Tala's transformation can also be seen as a metaphor for the loss of innocence. As Tala confronts the darkness within herself and the darkness of the world around her, she can no longer go back to the way things were. She must learn to embrace her new reality and use her newfound power to protect herself and her loved ones.

On another level, the film can be seen as a commentary on the Philippines' colonial history and the legacy of World War II. The film's portrayal of the Japanese soldiers is particularly brutal, and it is clear that Dagatan is not afraid to confront the dark side of Philippine history.

The film's title, In My Mother's Skin, can be seen as a reference to the Philippines' colonial past. The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years, and the country's culture and identity were deeply shaped by this experience. In My Mother's Skin can be seen as a metaphor for the Philippines' struggle to come to terms with its colonial past and to develop its own unique identity.

In My Mother's Skin is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling film that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a film that is both challenging and rewarding, and it is one that deserves to be seen by a wide audience.

One of the things that makes In My Mother's Skin so special is its unique vision. Dagatan has created a world that is both magical and terrifying. The film's visuals are stunning, and the performances are excellent.

Another thing that makes In My Mother's Skin so special is its bravery. Dagatan is not afraid to tackle difficult and challenging topics such as colonialism, war, and trauma. In My Mother's Skin is a film that is not afraid to ask tough questions.

In My Mother's Skin is a film that is sure to spark discussion and debate among viewers. The film's rich symbolism and allegory can be interpreted on many different levels, and there is no one right way to understand it.

Final Score – [7/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times