The performances in this movie are very good. However, the actual depictions of some of the events in this movie are far too graphic and verge on parody. Some of the scenes are so over-the-top they come off as insincere and cringe-inducing. Save your money.

The movie itself was actually pretty good. The delivery, however, left much to be desired. When I received the DVD it was visibly damaged. When I opened the DVD box I realized the full extent of the damage to the product. The box was practically shredded and the DVD itself was horribly scratched, so much so that the DVD would not play. If you wish to see this movie, don't do so through Amazon.com.

'Mysterious Skin' definitely tackles a wallop of a subject, and in doing so, it fearlessly portaits an utterly heart-breaking, though moving, and quiete often disturbing story that is ultimately powerful, and yes, mysterious.

The story is about two 18 year old boys, Neil and Brian, who were victims of sexual abuse 10 years ago by their little league coach (Bill Sage). The film focuses on each boy as Brian desperately tries to remember what happened to him while the other, Neil, can't forget. In Brian's search for answers, he comes across Neil in a group picture from their little league team whom he believes has the answer to what Brian calls his "lost time".

Directed by Greg Araki (who also adapted it from Scott Heim's novel of the same name), I expected something pretty sensational, even exploitative considering Araki's previous work. However, I was extremely impressed to see that Araki's direction and writing had really matured. The film was focused, complete, and controlled. In other words, it felt like I was watching something a vetran filmmaker had directed which is quite an accomplishment. Even with a small budget, the film never felt cheap or badly made. Araki uses many interesting camera tricks and placement that really make the film feel fresh and new.

The acting, especially from the film's two leads, is fantastic! Joseph Gorden-Levitt really proves he has some serious acting chops. Brady Corbet is equally wonderful but this is Levitt's moment. The suppoting cast is also great and, well, supportive.

It's no surprise that in dealing with this tough subject matter that the view will experience some difficult scenes to digest. However, rest assured, none are exploitative nor are they sensationalized. They are delt very delicately with and are there for a purpose. In fact, many of the unsettling scenes are remarkably powerful and leave the viewer an indelible impression. You won't soon forget about 'Mysterious Skin' for quite some time.

I believe of all the gay films I have watched over the years, this rates as one of the top 5. I watch this film over and over again. I just purchased one for some friends of mine. It is a story, not just sex.

From the trailer, I thought Mysterious Skin would act as an ample morsel in my dietary "artsy-fartsy film" plan. What I received in return was a film that documents the bitter residual effect of child molestation, and one that inflicts far too emotional pain in the viewer. One could argue that it's done in a tasteful way, as was the way the film was described to me by a clerk at Blockbuster (who was quite cryptic on the subject matter before I rented the film), but I would have to disagree. 'Mysterious Skin' boorishly attacks us with flashbacks that, while not overly graphic, do enough to the viewer to leave you asking, "Why did I rent this again?" This was certainly the case with my friends and I, who could do nothing more than shake our heads as we fast-forwarded through gratuitous nonsensically graphic scenes that could have been left out of the film completely while still accomplishing the goal of the director. There are some seriously hard-to-take portions of film and it often seems like the director is attempting to force-feed us the horrors that child-abuse will produce down the line.

The plot is based on two young men who are dealing with their shared pasts in different ways. One thinks he was abducted by aliens while the other still has a psychological bond with the man who took advantage of him. Both end up confronting each other as they confront their tragic past and form a common union that will eventually help lead to their healing.

There are plenty of films out there that are of high quality work, and Mysterious Skin is well-made on the art front, but the theme is far too strong for most to deal with, especially if you have experienced the trauma that comes with child-abuse. A solid soundtrack by Robin Gutherie adds to the desired ambiance, but is not enough to make this any type of film I would recommend.