7.6
Where can I stream Mysterious Skin legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Mysterious Skin
2005·Movie
Mysterious Skin fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about growing up.
- Pathos10
- Melancholy9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor5
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor4
World
The mind, growing up, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and direction
- Character Depth10
- Acting9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Mysterious Skin is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and profoundly sad. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighThe mind, growing up, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, growing up, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and direction
The characters, performances, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou're watching with family
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Two boys. One can't remember. The other can't forget.
A teenage hustler and a young man obsessed with alien abductions cross paths, together discovering a horrible, liberating truth.
Raw Psychological DramaTrauma & MemoryBleak Coming-of-AgeSexual IdentityHuman Connection & DisconnectionMelancholy & HauntingAdult ThemesPowerful PerformancesIntimate Character Study
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Mysterious Skin
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Mysterious Skin worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Mysterious Skin rated?
NRSexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How long is Mysterious Skin?
1 h 45 min
Mysterious Skin runs 1 h 45 min.
Is Mysterious Skin based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Mysterious Skin?
Critics80
Audiences82
Yes. Critics average 80 and audiences 82 out of 100, so both groups see Mysterious Skin much the same way.
Was Mysterious Skin a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$2 million
No. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 72% of its budget.
What language is Mysterious Skin in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, Netherlands.
In how many countries can I watch Mysterious Skin?
129
+115
+115GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Mysterious Skin in 129 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Mysterious Skin use?
Break the CutieDepraved HomosexualBittersweet EndingPorn StacheAlien AbductionOdd FriendshipSmall Town BoredomPromiscuity After RapeLiquid CourageLikes Older MenNever Trust a TrailerKarma Houdiniand 23 more
TV Tropes lists 35 storytelling tropes for Mysterious Skin, including Break the Cutie, Depraved Homosexual, Bittersweet Ending.