Second Skin (1999)
A Spanish drama of hidden desire and fractured marriage, featuring a career-defining performance from Javier Bardem.
Second Skin - Movie Information
- Original Title: Segunda piel
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Gerardo Vera
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Italian, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 13, 1999 (Spain), April 14, 2000 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Lolafilms
- Production Countries: Spain
Second Skin - Plot
When Elena finds a hotel bill in her husband's pocket, she begins to suspect that he's having an affair — but not that it's with a man.
Second Skin - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a sense of the film's emotional intensity:
A different triangle
Where to Watch Second Skin
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Second Skin - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gerardo Vera
Main Cast
- Javier Bardem
- Jordi Mollà
- Ariadna Gil
- Cecilia Roth
- Mercedes Sampietro
- Javier Albalá
Writers
- Ángeles González-Sinde
Producers
- Andrés Vicente Gómez
Second Skin - FAQs
Is Second Skin based on a true story?
No, Second Skin is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay written by Ángeles González-Sinde. The film is a fictional drama exploring themes of hidden sexuality, marital deception, and identity within a contemporary Spanish setting.
What is Second Skin about?
Second Skin follows Elena, who discovers a hotel bill in her husband Alberto's pocket and suspects infidelity. The twist: his secret affair is with a man named Diego, played by Javier Bardem. The film explores the emotional fallout across this unexpected love triangle, examining desire, identity, and betrayal.
Who are the main actors in Second Skin?
Second Skin stars Javier Bardem as Diego, Jordi Mollà as Alberto, and Ariadna Gil as Elena. The supporting cast includes Cecilia Roth as Eva, Mercedes Sampietro as María Elena, and Javier Albalá as Rafael.
Where can you stream or watch Second Skin?
Streaming availability for Second Skin varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options — including rental, purchase, and subscription services available in your country — on JustWatch, which aggregates current streaming data across all major platforms.
Why is Second Skin significant for Javier Bardem's career?
Second Skin is notable as one of Javier Bardem's early roles in which he portrayed a gay character, demonstrating his range before his international breakthrough. His nuanced performance as Diego, a man navigating a secret same-sex relationship, was praised for its emotional honesty and helped cement his reputation as a bold dramatic actor.
What is the age rating for Second Skin?
Second Skin is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects mature content including sexuality and adult themes related to infidelity, hidden identity, and the emotional complexity of the relationships depicted throughout the film.
Who directed Second Skin and who wrote it?
Second Skin was directed by Gerardo Vera, a Spanish filmmaker and renowned stage designer. The screenplay was written by Ángeles González-Sinde, who later became Spain's Minister of Culture. The film was produced by Andrés Vicente Gómez under the Lolafilms banner.
What are films similar to Second Skin?
If you enjoyed Second Skin, you may also like I Love You Phillip Morris (2010), Before Night Falls (2000), and Sauvage (2018), all of which explore LGBT themes and complex romantic relationships. Mädchen in Uniform (1931) and Infamous (2006) are further titles worth exploring.
More About Second Skin
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