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New film Under My Skin goes more than skin-deep

Monday, 26 October 2020

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  • Liv Hewson in Under My Skin

    Liv Hewson in Under My Skin

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When David O’Donnell’s ex-partner and close friend came out as trans, he had little context for understanding what his friend was going through.

Fast forward eight years, actor and WAAPA graduate O’Donnell is about to release his feature debut as a writer and director. The film stars four non-binary actors and is co-produced by the same ex-partner and friend. O’Donnell describes the film as a “complex love story for our generation”.

Under My Skin centres on Denny (they/them), a creative free-spirit, who falls in love with Ryan, a strait-laced young lawyer. When Denny tunes into the fact that they do not identify as a cis woman, pressure and tensions escalate with Ryan. Denny is faced with the choice of being with someone they love, while recognising that this person wants them to be something they are not.

Denny is portrayed throughout the film by an ensemble of actors who identify as non-binary or trans non-binary: Liv Hewson (Bombshell, Santa Clara Diet), Bobbi Salvor Menuez (Nocturnal Animals, Transparent) and newcomers Lex Ryan and Chloe Freeman.

“I think people want to see new stories. New iterations of traditional narratives that are more relevant to today’s culture, “says O’Donnell.

It’s this desire to tell new stories, and remain sensitive to life’s experiences that O’Donnell believes is the secret to good storytelling.

“It’s important to feel excited about the story you’re telling. Make something that you would want to see.

[When my ex-partner came out as trans] I had had very limited exposure to the trans community. I came from a very machismo background. I would say, initially, I was not very present as an ally and friend,” admits O’Donnell.

“But I got over myself and was lucky enough to share in my friend’s journey in some small way, and generally be inspired by them.”

O’Donnell says his time at WAAPA influenced him in ways he did not expect but says one of his great learnings was the range of approaches used by different tutors and directors.

“There are countless ways I could call on my experience at WAAPA. The best advice I could give is to try to contextualise the experience for yourself as you’re going through it.”

O’Donnell says the key the key to working with a diverse range of actors is to be sensitive to the people around you.

“Be aware that there is a tremendous diversity of experience in the world. Lead with love.”

Under My Skin is premiering at London’s Raindance Film Festival from Thursday, 29 October 2020 and is to be released in Australia in early 2021. Updates are available on the Instagram page: @undermyskinfilm

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