74
Metascore
32 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThis thoughtful, troubling drama is leagues above the sensationalistic stuff Araki peddled in earlier films.
- 90The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensA gorgeous, heartbreaking and utterly convincing work of art.
- 88New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickNot for the squeamish, but it is a beautifully crafted and thoughtful film that genuinely provokes.
- 80Village VoiceDennis LimVillage VoiceDennis LimWith remarkable directness and composure, it shatters the myth of childhood innocence and the deathless taboo of prepubescent sexuality.
- 70VarietyDavid RooneyVarietyDavid RooneyBy turns spiky and lyrical, this unsettling drama will be anathema to many audiences, but is bound to be a provocative, talked-about release.
- 70The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasOnly half a great movie, because the other half follows a separate but related thread that isn't nearly as compelling.
- 63New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsA well-conceived story that is very hard to shake.
- 60Film ThreatFilm ThreatBy the end of Mysterious Skin, I felt physically exhausted but I also felt satisfied at the way it all falls into place.
- 40The Hollywood ReporterRay BennettThe Hollywood ReporterRay BennettDull film about pedophilia that fails to shed any light on the topic.