Bare Skin (2026) Film Review

Directed by: Mico Montes 

Written by: Mico Montes 

Starring: Rachel Alig, Torrey B.Lawrence

Film Review by: Holly Baker

★★★★

Bare Skin is a psychological #horror film which initially sets itself out to investigate the long-term impacts of extreme trauma. A mysterious journey that gradually becomes more and more cloudy as viewers are sucked into the intrigue and darkness. Set inside a rehabilitation centre, Dr Hedonia (played by Rachel Alig) quickly sets out her intentions. She aims to use her indigenous therapy methods to help six troubled individuals open up to the group and practice introspection and teamwork to face their pasts and find a helpful perspective. 

The film begins with an eerie feel. The discomfort of each character is viscerally felt as they all seem out of place, enhanced by wide shots, which contribute to the sense that the attendees feel exposed. The setting of the rehabilitation centre is dark and unwelcoming, and the confused sound design adds to the strangeness of the unfamiliar space where the group gathers.

Each of the six individuals has experienced a different form of extreme trauma. Several of these involve physical trauma, such as torture through violence and starvation, as well as sexual assault. Meanwhile, a few of the victims’ trauma is psychological, such as Dev’s (played by Ryan Wayne), who suffers from extreme guilt and anxiety following an event that haunts his psyche due to his actions. Several modes of trauma are aptly explored, and tensions between the characters are cleverly played out to highlight the nuances they carry. The story goes further as to parallel the self-destructive impacts of trauma to mental illness, which effectively underlines the devastating impact the mind can have on the individual when support is not provided. 

Bare Skin is visually striking from the outset. Use of special effects and charmingly consuming cinematography draws viewers immediately. The film’s use of artistic set design, well-thought-out imagery, and satisfying use of symmetry and slow zoom makes for a scrumptious viewing experience at times. Brilliant camera work is balanced out by the film’s incorporation of crucial horror elements. Gore, such as explicit use of torture, blood, scarring, as well as disturbing sequences involving suicide attempts, self-harm, and sexual assaul,t are very difficult to view at times. The film pushes the limits on what can and should be shown when dealing with deep, harrowing topics, but never crosses into the territory of becoming completely grotesque. Viewers should be aware of trigger warnings; they will sense that the film is only showing what is necessary and in doing so, effectively conveys an intense discomfort and suffering, which is crucial to the narrative.

With a hefty run-time of over 2 and a half hours, ample time is taken to provide detailed context on each of the six victims as characters and what they endured. Though repetitive in structure, the film is continuously engaging with diverse, immersive set design and starkly different characters. Each character’s sequence has its own identity with convincing world-building, establishment of mood and tone, and narrative investment. For instance, during Dev’s traumatic incident, which takes place in the forest, viewers feel a clear sense of place and direction as the characters move around, as well as feeling connected to Dev’s friends who are quickly but profoundly introduced, containing multitudes, whilst only being minor characters.

Bare Skin deservingly made its mark at multiple film festivals, such as winning best feature and best director at 2025’s Shock-a-Go-Go festival, as well as being selected for several others. The film is an insightful investigation into the way that pain can transform identity, with a gritty sound design and a tense build-up that never loses its momentum. This will shock viewers from start to finish, as well as being a remarkable demonstration of creativity and extremity in filmmaking.