10 Hidden Gem Body Horror Movies

Pedro Almodovar's The Skin I Live In centres around a visionary surgeon called Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas) who hopes to create synthetic skin that's resistant to fire and cuts. After the death of his wife and daughter, Ledgard buries himself in his work, desperate to find purpose in life. 

When he starts performing his experimental procedures on a mysterious woman called Vera (Elena Anaya) against her will, he seems to have all the hallmarks of a mad scientist. But as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as black-and-white as it seems. 

The Skin I Live In explores a myriad of themes, including sexual identity, obsession, unresolved grief, sexual violence, suicide, and legacy. Although an inexperienced filmmaker would struggle to balance so many ideas, Almodovar pulls it off with flying colours.

Banderas finds the humanity in Ledgard, so the dastardly doctor comes across as a three-dimensional character rather than a cartoonish villain. 

Due to the premise, it goes without saying this existential thriller has plenty of unsettling imagery. However, it's the story itself that's sure to leave everybody squirming. And when the truth is finally revealed about Vera and Ledgard's relationship, nightmares are pretty much guaranteed.