10 French Horror Movies You Need To Watch
2. Dans Ma Peau (In My Skin)
Dans ma peau encapsulates how the most innocuous thing can lead to self-destruction.
While at work, Esther (Marina de Van) stumbles over construction equipment, causing her to cut her leg. Esther becomes entranced by her wound, compelling her to peel the skin off. This incident has such a profound effect on Esther's mind, she discards her social and professional life, instead choosing to experiment with self-mutilation.
Even though the self-harm could've been depicted tastelessly, this queasy body horror is careful with how it explores the subject matter, never over-explaining the origins behind Esther's actions and instead emphasising that mental illness is often unknowable. What Esther does makes sense in her mind and that's all that matters to her.
Despite the fact Dans ma peau is more artistic than was advertised, it's also extremely gross. Seriously, nobody should be judged for switching it off before the credits roll.
Dans ma peau is a staggering achievement for director Marina de Van, as not only did she write the script and play the lead, but this was her feature-length debut. Although it must've been exhausting to juggle so much responsibility, de Van crafted a marvellous but haunting story that will stay with anybody for a very long time.