About Cold Skin

Cold Skin is a 2017 horror-thriller film directed by Xavier Gens. The movie is set on a remote island near the Antarctic Circle immediately after World War I, where the story follows a weather observer, who experiences an onslaught from unknown creatures. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Albert Sánchez Piñol.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Xavier Gens and produced by Denise O’Dell and Mark Albela under the banner of Babieka and Kanzaman, in association with Samuel Goldwyn Films. Gens’ vision emphasizes the eerie and surreal quality of Albert Sánchez Piñol’s original material, with the movie displaying a visually stimulating gothic narrative.

Actors

• Ray Stevenson as Gruner: A grizzled lighthouse keeper who holds his own against the nightmarish creatures. He delivers a potent performance, making Gruner's increasing insanity believable.
• David Oakes as Friend: A weather observer, who unravels the mysteries of the island. Oakes portrays the character's fear, curiosity, and humanistic struggle with intensity.
• Aura Garrido as Aneris: A female creature from the sea whom Gruner has tamed. Garrido, beneath expert makeup and prosthetics, brings a hauntingly silent yet emotive performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot in Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, due to its black sand and unforgiving landscapes, which suited the uncanny atmosphere the filmmakers aimed to create.
• Aura Garrido’s makeup for the sea creature Aneris took over six hours to apply each day.

Quotes

• "To not have feelings is a form of hell." - Friend
• "War is the only thing we have in common." - Gruner

Music, Soundtrack

• The film boasts a haunting score by composer Víctor Reyes, perfectly underscoring the chilling themes and grotesque visuals.
• The movie does not have any particular songs or soundtracks as it relies on instrumental scores for its atmospheric tension.