Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disturbing scenes in true-crime teen abduction drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
In Her Skin
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on a true story, IN HER SKIN follows the disappearance of 15-year-old Rachel Barber (Kate Bell) in 1999. When the teen doesn't make it home from a dance class, her parents Elizabeth (Miranda Otto) and Mike (Guy Pearce) immediately know something is wrong. As they struggle to be taken seriously by police and launch their own search and investigations, eyes turn to Rachel's old babysitter, Caroline (Ruth Bradley)—a disturbed young woman who's consumed with jealousy toward the beautiful, talented teen.
Is It Any Good?
Given that it's based on the real-life murder of a teenage girl, writer-director Simone North's crime drama is oddly flat at times. There are some choices in the structure of In Her Skin that don't quite pay off. Revealing very little about the victim's personality keeps her at arm's length throughout. Instead she's seen through the doting eyes of those around her—her proud parents, but more importantly, her neighbor and ex-babysitter, who develops an unhealthy obsession with her over the years. Some of the acting from established names is less than convincing in places, but Bradley fully commits to her role as a disturbed young woman left without the help she needs and turning her intrusive thoughts about herself toward the bright young dance star. Ghostly breathing and POV shots go a way to creating a creepy tension, but it's not enough to make an impact and the film ends up feeling strangely removed from its subject.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in In Her Skin. Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Was it shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the character of Caroline. What did you learn about her and her experience growing up? Did you have any sympathy for her based on how she was depicted in the film?
How were Rachel's parents' experience portrayed? How did the police react to their concerns? Why do you think the disappearance wasn't immediately taken seriously by the authorities?
The movie is based on a real-life crime. How did it compare to other films, TV shows, or even podcasts that focus on true crimes? What do you think are the ethical considerations about portraying things like this as sources of entertainment?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 11, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2011
- Cast : Ruth Bradley , Miranda Otto , Guy Pearce
- Director : Simone North
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Goldcrest Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong disturbing violence, some sexuality, nudity and language
- Last updated : May 27, 2025
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