Skin Deep

Skin Deep

Year: 1989

Runtime: 101 min

Language: German

Director: Blake Edwards

DramaComedyRomance

During the last days of summer, Leyla and Tristan join other couples on a secluded island retreat designed to foster understanding and self-discovery. Through unique rituals and transformative experiences, Leyla undergoes a significant personal awakening. However, she soon faces challenges as she grapples with the implications of her transformation and the potential impact on her relationships and identity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Skin Deep yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Skin Deep (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Skin Deep (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie reflects contemporary life struggles, particularly in relationships and personal growth, likely set in the late 20th century. This period was marked by a cultural shift towards self-improvement and the exploration of personal identity.

Location

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches and Mediterranean climate. It's famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. The city offers a mix of outdoor activities, high-end shopping, and fine dining, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and entertainment.

🌊 Beach 🌞 Coastal

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – Skin Deep (1989)

Meet the key characters of Skin Deep (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Zachary 'Zach' Hutton (John Ritter)

Zach is a complex character torn between his desires for freedom and the need for stability. His humorous yet tragic circumstances reveal his struggles with fidelity, commitment, and emotional growth. He often finds himself in comical yet compromising situations that highlight his inability to navigate adult relationships.

🌀 Protagonist 💔 Emotionally conflicted 🍷 Alcoholic

Angie (Denise Crosby)

Angie is Zach's girlfriend, whose fierce spirit and sense of betrayal prompt significant moments in the narrative. Her reaction to Zach's infidelity signifies a turning point in the story, revealing her depth and complexity as a character seeking respect and loyalty.

💔 Girlfriend 😠 Jealousy 🔫 Fierce

Alex (Alyson Reed)

Alex is Zach's estranged wife, embodying the struggle for independence while dealing with the fallout from their tumultuous relationship. She provides emotional grounding for the narrative as Zach's journey towards self-acceptance intertwines with her own choices.

💔 Estranged wife 🌱 Growth 🚶‍♀️ Independent

Dr. Westford (Michael Kidd)

Dr. Westford is Zach's therapist, providing him with insights that challenge his understanding of himself. His guidance leads Zach towards self-reflection, although the journey proves to be messy and complex, reflecting the difficulties inherent in personal change.

🌀 Therapist 👨‍⚕️ Advisor 💬 Insightful

Molly (Julianne Phillips)

Molly is the real estate broker who becomes a significant part of Zach's life, representing both his desire for stability and his ongoing infidelities. Her character symbolizes the conflict between attraction and emotional commitment that Zach grapples with throughout the film.

💔 Love interest 🏡 Broker 🌟 Attractive

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – Skin Deep (1989)

Explore the central themes of Skin Deep (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Betrayal

The film explores themes of love, infidelity, and the complexities of modern relationships. Zach's struggles with commitment and his desire for both stability and excitement create a tension that drives the narrative. This theme resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the challenges of romantic entanglements.

🌀 Self-Discovery

Zach’s journey is one of self-discovery, forcing him to confront his fears and desires. His interactions with various characters highlight the importance of understanding oneself before seeking meaningful connections. The theme underscores the struggle many face in realizing their true selves amid external pressures.

🥂 Consequences of Indulgence

The film touches on the consequences of living a life of excess, particularly through Zach's battles with alcohol and infidelity. His journey reflects the challenges of balancing hedonism with responsibility, exploring how one's choices can lead to personal turmoil.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Unlock the Full Story of Skin Deep

Don't stop at just watching — explore Skin Deep in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Skin Deep is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Skin Deep Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Skin Deep, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Skin Deep Summary

Skin Deep Timeline

Track the full timeline of Skin Deep with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Skin Deep Timeline

More About Skin Deep

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Skin Deep: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Skin Deep

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Discover movies like Skin Deep that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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