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Review

Recalling the vitality and invention of Ginger Snaps, another Canadian low-budget gem which balanced the social, political and the unknown, the exhilarating psychological suspenser White Skin, with racial, sexual and Gothic undertones, is a breath of fresh air in the growing arena of independent filmmaking. First-time director Roby, who adapted the screenplay with original author Champetier, demonstrates a sure hand for character and tone as he allows an unpredictable story to unfold in cryptic layers of chills, mystery and fancy. Thierry (Paquet) is a shy country boy studying writing at a Montréal university. Satisfied with his coffee-shop discussions of politics and the cultural with his Haitian-Quebecois roommate Henri (Pierre) in lieu of romantic entanglement, Thierry and Henri's lives take a turn for the bizarre after a series of unusual events. This includes the pair picking up prostitutes and one of them almost killing Henri, a rash of serial killings plaguing the city, and, most surprising of all, Thierry -- who has a particular dislike for pale skin -- becoming attracted to Claire (Farley), a beautiful, ashen lady at school. Questions abound at every turn: What happens to Thierry during his periodic, nighttime blackouts? Is Claire the racist she appears to be? Why is Claire's residence devoid of any objects to suggest she lives there? The answers don't come easy as the story takes you down several roads and rarely goes where you think it might. White Skin is an intense ride rich in atmosphere, a low-key affair with a high-octane kick. (French with English subtitles)

 -- David Bleiler