Skins

Skins

Year: 2002

Runtime: 84 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Chris Eyre

DramaCrime

Set against the backdrop of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Mt. Rushmore, this film explores the harsh realities of life in one of America's most impoverished communities. Officer Rudy Yellow Lodge confronts a deeply personal struggle as he arrests his brother, Mogie, navigating the complexities of family, addiction, and the lasting impact of colonialism on the reservation. The story reveals a cycle of despair and the challenges faced by those living within this isolated and troubled landscape.

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Timeline & Setting – Skins (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Skins (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Beaver Creek Indian Reservation, South Dakota

Beaver Creek is a Lakota Sioux community on the South Dakota plains. The reservation setting grounds the film in a close-knit town facing economic hardship and social strain. The landscape and community life reflect a culture of resilience amid ongoing challenges.

🏞️ Lakota Reservation 🌾 Great Plains setting 👥 Indigenous community

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:06

Main Characters – Skins (2002)

Meet the key characters of Skins (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rudy Yellow Lodge

Rudy is a Lakota police officer who bears responsibility for his brother Mogie, his teenage nephew, and his town. He begins with a sincere desire to help, but the influence of Iktomi and his own growing anger push him toward vigilante acts, including disguising his face and using violence. His struggle to maintain the line between law and vengeance drives the film’s moral conflict.

⚖️ Duty vs. justice 🧠 Obsession 🤝 Family duty

Mogie Yellow Lodge

Unemployed and prone to drinking, Mogie is a father to a teenage son and a source of warmth and humor in a troubled town. He is scarred by a catastrophic arson and battles illness, ultimately dying of pneumonia after his son's eighteenth birthday. His debate with Rudy over how to address past wrongs helps propel the story toward its emotional climax.

🍺 Alcoholism 💔 Family 🔥 Tragedy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:06

Major Themes – Skins (2002)

Explore the central themes of Skins (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs. Vigilantism

Rudy's shift from lawman to vigilante exposes the tension between official justice and personal morality. The appearance of Iktomi blurs the line between sanity and superstition, pushing him to act outside legal bounds. The narrative uses his struggle to examine how trauma and community pressure can derail a sense of justice.

🔥 Violence & Community Trauma

Mogie's alcoholism and the store arson highlight how addiction, poverty, and anger ripple through the Lakota community. Rudy's retaliatory actions intensify cycles of violence and mistrust. The film presents tragedy as a burden carried by families and the wider town, not just individuals.

🕸️ Spirituality & Iktomi

Iktomi, the trickster spider, repeatedly appears to Rudy, tying supernatural motifs to personal guilt and fear. Sweat lodge rites and traditional beliefs offer a framework for processing pain and loss. The spider's presence underscores how spirituality and myth shape responses to violence and suffering.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:06

Unlock the Full Story of Skins

Don't stop at just watching — explore Skins 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 Skins is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Skins Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Skins, 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.

Skins Summary

Skins Timeline

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

Skins Timeline

More About Skins

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More About Skins

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