Watch Comforting Skin

Comforting Skin is a Canadian drama-horror film directed and written by Derek Franson which premiered in 2011. The movie stars Victoria Bidewell as Koffie, a troubled and lonely young woman, who seeks comfort in getting a tattoo that slowly takes on a life of its own, becoming a manifestation of all the things that she lacks - companionship, love, and self-worth. The cast also includes Tygh Runyan as Nathan, Jane Sowerby as Koffie's mother, and Philip Granger as Koffie's landlord.

The movie is set in Vancouver and tells the story of Koffie, a loner in her early thirties who struggles with intimacy and has failed multiple times in relationships. She works a dead-end job and spends most of her time alone in her tiny apartment, listening to music, drinking, and smoking. Koffie's only source of comfort is the tattoo on her back, a beautiful and intricate design that she got on a whim after seeing a sign outside a tattoo parlor.

As the days go by, Koffie becomes increasingly attached to the tattoo, talking to it and personifying it as her lover. She starts to experience vivid dreams and hallucinations where the tattoo comes to life and seduces her, filling the void that she feels inside. However, the more she relies on the tattoo for companionship, the more it seems to take control of her life, causing her to lose touch with reality and push away the people who care about her.

Nathan, a fellow musician, becomes fascinated by Koffie and tries to get close to her. However, she is hesitant to let him in, fearing that he will see the dark and troubled side of her that she keeps hidden. Nathan persists, and Koffie eventually opens up to him, revealing her obsession with the tattoo and the intense feelings of loneliness and self-doubt that she battles every day.

The movie takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Koffie's mental state deteriorates, and the tattoo becomes more and more of an ominous presence in her life. The special effects used to bring the tattoo to life are impressive and add an element of horror to the film, making it an unnerving and unsettling watch.

Overall, Comforting Skin is an engrossing and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of loneliness, self-acceptance, and the consequences of seeking comfort outside oneself. Victoria Bidewell delivers a powerful and haunting performance as Koffie, drawing the audience into her world of pain and longing. The supporting cast is equally impressive, delivering nuanced and empathetic portrayals of characters who are flawed but ultimately relatable.

In conclusion, Comforting Skin is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and character-driven dramas. The film offers a unique take on the genre, mixing supernatural elements with a deeply introspective storyline. Derek Franson's direction adds a moody and atmospheric edge to the movie, making it a compelling and unforgettable experience.

Comforting Skin is a 2012 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.