A young transgender woman flees her small town for a life in the big city in search of acceptance and opportunity.

While she may find these things, she also discovers a fear of a hidden part of herself, and a monster born out of the insecurities shared between her new lover and herself.

THE SERPENT'S SKIN is a fiercely trans, queer, supernatural romance that takes its audience through a journey of violence directed inward, violence directed outward, and ultimately the love that has the power to surpass it all.

continued… 

THE SERPENT'S SKIN, directed by Alice Maio Mackay, lives in conversation with other incredible female rage films (think GINGER SNAPS or last year’s THE UGLY STEPSISTER) while still carving an identity that is singular and unique.

Amidst the chaos, there’s also something soft and gorgeous about it. The characters are framed with reverence, a delicacy that pours out of the screen.

The performance of our lead Anna, beautifully played by Alexandra McVicker, exudes a willowy and ethereal quality that transfixes the viewer when she is onscreen, an invaluable attribute for a leading lady to have.

As with much of THE SERPENT'S SKIN, the character of Anna feels almost suspended in time, that she could be anybody, anywhere, at any time, making her a perfect audience conduit.

As a viewer, you are on her side without even having to think about it, it’s just natural. You experience the events of the film through her, making her triumphs feel truly celebratory; there were moments where I wanted to stand up and cheer. The one obstacle this creates however, is some supporting performances can feel a bit wooden in comparison.

The immediacy and depth of connection the viewer has with Anna makes it easier to overlook some less successful elements of THE SERPENT'S SKIN. Things like underwhelming special effects feel so inconsequential when the story and characters have already drawn you in so effectively. The pulsing soundtrack and score create such an electric feeling that the viewer is too busy enjoying themselves to be nitpicking.

Maio Mackay clearly understands what aspects of the film demand the most attention and precision, focusing her energies where it matters most. This can be a challenging concept for any filmmaker, and THE SERPENT'S SKIN becomes even more impressive than it already is when you take into consideration that Maio Mackay is only 21 years old.

It’s thrilling to think of all the years ahead of her and what is yet to come from this talented, sure footed artist.

Ultimately, THE SERPENT'S SKIN is undoubtedly decisive and unapologetically itself in a way that feels so needed in our world today.

Most importantly, it’s a movie with something to say. As Anna’s girlfriend Gen (Avalon Fast) puts it, “The witch hunters are still onto us. They’ve just changed their names.”

For a film that starts so strong, the final act of THE SERPENT'S SKIN drags a bit as it’s hard to keep that pace up throughout the entirety of the runtime. It doesn’t come with a high octane conclusion. The stakes dissolve somewhat, leaving the audience with something much more reflective.

It’s a bit messy in a way that feels true to the story and characters, I just recommend going in knowing what you’re getting. It is well worth a watch. 

See the trailer here.

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