In Their Skin 2012

In a desperate move to find solace amidst their overwhelming grief, the Hughes family escapes the turmoil of their high-powered lives and retreats to their opulent suburban sanctuary. Mary Hughes (Selma Blair), an ambitious real estate developer, alongside her steadfast husband Mark Hughes (Joshua Close), and their 8-year-old son Brendon (played by Quinn Lord), grapple with the harrowing memories of their recently departed 6-year-old daughter, Tess. Their attempts to find peace are abruptly shattered during a nighttime walk when they encounter a peculiar vehicle that imbues them with an unsettling sensation of being observed.

The following day brings new neighbors into the mix: Jane Sakowski (Rachel Miner) and Bobby Sakowski (James D’Arcy), along with their 9-year-old son Jared (portrayed by Alex Ferris). During a seemingly innocent lunch gathering, the Sakowskis’ inquisitive probing into the Hughes’ private lives quickly turns unsettling. The palpable envy that radiates from the Sakowskis as they linger just a bit too long only heightens the tension.

When Brendon invites Jared to join him for a gaming session, things spiral into chaos as the innocent playdate takes a dark turn, culminating in Jared threatening Brendon with a knife. Terrified, Brendon rushes to his parents, leaving them to question their initial impressions of their new neighbors. Matters worsen when Mary discovers alarming marks on Brendon’s neck, leading the Hughes to sever ties with the Sakowskis entirely.

The simmering anger within Mark erupts as he uncovers the Sakowskis’ true nature, culminating in a destructive outburst when he breaks a vase gifted by Jane. Unbeknownst to him, Bobby witnesses this incident through the kitchen window as Harris, the family dog, embarks on a risky escapade into the woods. As the Hughes grapple with the unraveling situation, they brace themselves for a lockdown, with Mark arming himself while Mary frantically searches for her phone to call for help.

As chaos continues to engulf them, the Hughes discover that their family vehicle has been maliciously damaged. When Mark steps outside, he finds himself confronted by Jared, who reveals Bobby’s grisly involvement in Harris’s fate, before fleeing into the night, leaving destruction in his wake by smashing windows and nearly striking Mark with a rock. With a heavy heart, Mark entrusts Mary with his handgun and instructs her and Brendon to hide in the bathroom while he sets out to rescue their beloved pet.

Venturing into the woods armed with a kitchen knife, Mark encounters Bobby, who brings him to the Sakowski home where others await in ambush. Bobby, menacingly armed with a shotgun, manipulates Mary and Brendon out of their hiding spot, forcing Mary to surrender her gun. Desperately, Mary implores Bobby to spare her family, offering their release in return for peace. Jane’s shocking revelation that Jared is her younger brother and that Bobby has sheltered them from a troubled past adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. Bobby confesses to raising his family in a run-down station wagon, harboring a desire to take over the Hughes’ seemingly perfect lives.

In a shocking twist, Mark’s brother Toby (Matt Bellefleur) unexpectedly arrives at the cottage, greeted by an uncomfortable facade of civility from both families. But as events escalate, Jared takes Brendon hostage upstairs while Bobby and his gang continue to present a guise of calm. The air thickens with tension when Toby attempts to retrieve items from the car, tragically falling victim to Bobby’s sudden and ruthless gunfire. The aftermath of this senseless act leaves Mark and Mary shattered.

As the Sakowskis tighten their grip, they force Mark and Mary into a debasing act for their entertainment. In a desperate bid for survival, Mary seizes an opportunity to attack Bobby with a knife, allowing the Hughes to regain the upper hand. However, Jared soon threatens Brendon’s life, intensifying the already fraught atmosphere.

In a moment of bravery, Mark takes back control, reclaiming his weapon from Jared. A wounded Bobby pleads for the opportunity to live his ideal life, only for Mark to confront him with the harsh reality of his own flawed family history, marked by an accidental tragedy. The confrontation culminates in Mark delivering a fatal shot to Bobby, ultimately ending the ongoing threat.

In the aftermath, Mark consoles his grieving family as law enforcement arrives to take the Sakowskis into custody. The film culminates in a bittersweet moment as Mark and Mary sit together for an introspective interview, their bond considerably strengthened through the trials they have faced together.