🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jeremy Power Regimbal
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10 (5.9K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Grieving parents go to a cabin, and some weirdos decide they want to trade places, so they get real pushy about it.
🍿 In Their Skin: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Tragedy and Retreat
Mark and Mary Hughes, along with their son Brendon, seek solace at their remote cottage following the accidental death of their young daughter. The family hopes to reconnect and heal from their devastating loss in the quiet seclusion of the countryside. Their grief is palpable, casting a somber tone over their attempted escape. The beauty of nature contrasts sharply with their internal pain.

An Unsettling Encounter
The Hughes’ peaceful retreat is disrupted by the arrival of their neighbors: Bobby, Jane, and their son Jared. Initially appearing friendly, the neighbors exhibit increasingly bizarre and intrusive behavior. They invite themselves to dinner, during which their incessant questioning and odd mannerisms make Mark and Mary deeply uncomfortable. A small act of violence from Jared escalates the tension.

Home Invasion
Following the awkward dinner, Bobby, Jane, and Jared reveal their true intentions by laying siege to the Hughes’ cottage. The Hughes family finds themselves trapped and terrorized by the psychopathic trio. Mark and Mary must fight to protect themselves and their son from the increasingly violent and disturbing actions of their unwanted guests. Survival becomes their only goal as the night unfolds into a horrific ordeal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mary (Selma Blair): A grieving mother trying to cope with the loss of her daughter while fighting for survival.
- Mark (Joshua Close): A father struggling with grief who must protect his family from a violent home invasion.
- Brendon (Quinn Lord): The young son of Mary and Mark, caught in the middle of a terrifying home invasion.
- Bobby (James D’Arcy): The psychopathic leader of a family seeking to steal the lives and identities of others.
- Jane (Rachel Miner): Bobby’s submissive and unsettling partner, complicit in his violent schemes.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bobby: “Sorry but it’s in my nature” – The last line of the movie. After terrorizing the family.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $106,919
💥 In Their Skin Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘In Their Skin’ isn’t the most original movie, but it definitely got under my skin! I was cringing during that dinner scene; those neighbors were way too intense. Selma Blair was great at playing the grieving mother, and James D’Arcy was genuinely creepy. I spent the rest of the night double-checking my locks, which I guess means the movie did its job.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of home invasion thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in psychological horror”
- “Those who appreciate slow-burn suspense”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Sexual content”
- “Disturbing themes”
- “Grief”
Professional Reviews
- HorrorNews.net: “A disturbing home invasion thriller with strong performances, ‘In Their Skin’ builds tension effectively, even if the plot feels familiar. James D’Arcy shines as the unsettling antagonist.
- Film Threat: “While it treads familiar ground, ‘In Their Skin’ distinguishes itself with its exploration of grief and identity theft. The film’s slow burn creates a sense of unease, but the payoff doesn’t quite deliver on the initial promise.
Audience Reactions
The unsettling atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.: Viewers appreciated the film’s suspenseful buildup and the unsettling performances of the actors.
The movie’s exploration of grief and the desire for a ‘perfect’ life resonated with me.: Fans enjoyed the psychological aspect of the movie and the character’s descent into madness.
Overall Consensus: A suspenseful but familiar home invasion thriller elevated by strong performances and a disturbing atmosphere. Not groundbreaking, but effective.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Selma Blair was pregnant during the filming of “In Their Skin”.”
- “The movie was filmed in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.”
- “The film was initially titled “Replicas” but was later changed to “In Their Skin”.”
🖥️ How to Watch In Their Skin?
As of October 2024, “In Their Skin” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for specific availability and pricing. Subscription services may offer it periodically, so keep an eye on platforms like Shudder or Tubi, which sometimes feature similar thrillers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed In Their Skin, you might like these similar films:
- Funny Games (2007): A wealthy family is terrorized in their vacation home by two young men who subject them to sadistic games.
- The Strangers (2008): A couple staying in a secluded vacation home are terrorized by three masked strangers with unknown motives.
- The Last House on the Left (1972): A young woman and her friend are kidnapped and brutalized by a gang of criminals, who later unknowingly seek refuge in the girl’s parents’ home.
- Goodnight Mommy (2014): Twin boys begin to suspect that their mother is an imposter after she returns home with her face covered in bandages following cosmetic surgery.
🛒 In Their Skin Related Products
- Funny Games (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of film history with the Criterion Collection edition of Funny Games, a precursor to “In Their Skin”, offering thought-provoking commentary on violence in media.
- The Strangers [Blu-ray]: Immerse yourself in a world of horror and suspense with The Strangers on Blu-ray. This thriller features a young couple who are terrorized by three masked criminals in their remote vacation home. With a mix of psychological tension, intense action, and unpredictable twists, The Strangers delivers a gripping experience from start to finish.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Psycho – Norman Bates: Add Norman Bates to your Funko Pop collection and bring the suspense of Psycho home. This figure captures the iconic character, perfect for fans of classic thrillers.
- Home Security System with Camera: Protect your home with a state-of-the-art security system, featuring cameras, motion detectors, and real-time alerts. Gain peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.
🎧 Soundtrack
In Their Skin features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While “In Their Skin” is not based on one specific true story, it draws inspiration from the home invasion subgenre of horror and thriller films, which often tap into real-world fears and anxieties about personal safety and security.
Some viewers have noted similarities between “In Their Skin” and “Funny Games” due to their shared theme of home invasion and psychological terror. However, “In Their Skin” has a different focus, emphasizing identity theft and social envy, distinguishing it from the more abstract and meta-commentary found in “Funny Games.”
“In Their Skin” was filmed in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. The remote and wooded location was chosen to enhance the sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the characters.
🔥 Bonus Content
Under the Skin FILM ANALYSIS
Ever wondered what ‘Under the Skin’ is really about? This analysis breaks down the film’s complex themes, and I gotta say, it really opened my eyes to some hidden meanings!
Under the Skin – Renegade Cut
Want another take on ‘Under the Skin’? Renegade Cut dives into the film’s themes of sexuality and objectification, and honestly, it’s a super thought-provoking watch!
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