Aus der Haut (German) [Shed My Skin]

This decent little German film is not path-breaking but is definitely a film that holds your attention. Its far from perfect but there is something relatable especially for teenagers who are going through their usually growing up and identifying themselves phase. Sure, it does handle some topics in a very cliched way and by the end of the movie, you are slightly puzzled as to what's the message that this film is trying to give, but does it always matter?

Milan is a 16-17 year old teenager who has a crush on his best friend Christoph. One evening while getting drunk, Milan kisses him which freaks out Christoph. Afraid of what just happened, Milan gets into his parents car drunk for an attempted suicide but is thankfully saved. We find out that Milan has history of drugs, depression, aloofness and possible suicidal tendencies. Things are not easy at school when Milan is now completely snubbed by Christoph. One evening, Milan has a chance meeting with an older guy who he later has sex with, which makes Milan feel liberated and finally he tells his parents that he is gay. His parents are relieved to hear this and do not over-react, but primarily because they are themselves going through their personal issues. The father is unhappy in his job and the mother is unhappy in the marriage. Milan is heart broken when he realizes that he was just a fling for the older guy. Christoph in the meanwhile understands everything that's going on and he and Milan are back to being friends. Its now the turn of the parents to sort out their differences for the sake of their son.

The production quality of the film is top-notch and the direction is also pretty good but its the story that lacks finness. Between the struggles of parents and their issues and that of Milan, the focus of the film kept getting shifted. Having said that, I really liked how the parents supported Milan when he comes out, thereby instilling confidence in him to be who he is and be confident of that. It may have something to do with his history which we never get to know the reasons for. I wonder if thats to do with the relationship that the parents share with each other. Milan is definitely a good looking guy and acts well and has good potential. The ending is also not one that really makes up for everything before that and seems pretty abrupt. Few issues are raised in the film but none of them actually gets a closure.

You are not missing anything by not watching this film, but you will definitely not be bored. At a crips 80 minute running time, you just wish, it had a point to make by the end of it all. (6/10)

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