Watch In My Skin

In My Skin is a thought-provoking and emotional drama series from BBC Three that premiered in 2018. Set in South Wales, the show follows the life of a 16-year-old girl named Bethan Gwyndaf (played by Gabrielle Creevy) who is dealing with the difficulties of growing up, such as school, friendship, and family drama, while keeping a dark secret hidden from everyone she knows.

The series opens with Bethan narrating the story of her life, and how she feels like an outsider in society. She talks about her experience with mental illness, her complicated relationship with her mother, and her desire to be accepted by her peers. Throughout the series, we see Bethan trying to navigate her way through life while concealing the fact that her mother is suffering from a mental illness and is currently institutionalized.

In My Skin primarily focuses on Bethan's relationships, both romantic and otherwise. She has a close bond with her best friend Travis (played by James Wilbraham), who is openly gay and deals with his own share of troubles. We also see Bethan develop feelings for a boy named Ryan (played by Rhodri Meilir) who seems to reciprocate her affection, but hides his own dark side.

As the show progresses, Bethan's secrets start to unravel, and we see her struggle to deal with the fallout. This includes being suspended from school, getting into legal trouble, and facing feelings of guilt regarding her mother. The series touches on sensitive topics such as mental health, homosexuality, and addiction, and it does so with grace and realism.

One of the standout aspects of In My Skin is its unflinching portrayal of mental illness. The show does not shy away from the harsh realities of the condition and its effects on both the sufferer and their loved ones. We see how Bethan's mother's illness affects her and the people around her, and how it has been a source of pain and trauma for Bethan throughout her life.

The performances in the series are also excellent. Gabrielle Creevy delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Bethan, capturing the character's complexities and inner turmoil with ease. James Wilbraham is also fantastic as Travis, bringing a lot of heart and humor to the role. The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from a range of talented actors.

The cinematography and direction of the series are also noteworthy. The show utilizes a lot of handheld camerawork and quick cuts to capture the frenetic energy of teenage life. The use of lighting and color is also effective in conveying the mood and tone of the series, from the dark and moody scenes to the vibrant and colorful moments of joy.

Overall, In My Skin is a must-watch series for anyone who wants to experience a powerful and emotional drama that deals with important issues in a thoughtful and realistic way. The show has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of mental illness, its engaging and relatable characters, and its beautiful cinematography. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of shining a light on difficult topics.

In My Skin is a series that ran for 2 seasons (10 episodes) between December 7, 2018 and on BBC Three