In My Skin Christian Review
Life can get messy, can’t it? People stumble, break down, act out, and yet somehow, through all the chaos, we learn what it means to be human. That’s where In My Skin lands—a TV series that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff but also doesn’t forget to find the beauty in the middle of it. As a believer, you might watch it with both admiration and caution. It has a lot to say about brokenness, resilience, and the messy journey of finding your way, but it’s also not afraid to get gritty.
This review isn’t here to hand you a “Christian Approval Seal.” Instead, think of it as a conversation, unpacking what works, what doesn’t, and what might leave you pondering God’s role in the thick of human suffering and joy. Let’s get into it.
A Story of Struggle and Tenderness
Bethan, the lead character of In My Skin, is what you’d call complicated. She’s funny, self-sabotaging, sharp, and raw—kind of like the kid who sits at the back of the youth group, cracking jokes but hiding something deeper. Her life isn’t easy. A mother battling severe mental illness, a school environment full of pressures, and her own burning desire to fit in—it’s a lot. The show doesn’t sugarcoat her struggles, which is one of its strengths.
From a Christian lens, there’s something redemptive in the way it portrays her pain. It’s not sanitized or prettied up. It’s real, and in that realism, you’re reminded of the brokenness we all carry. But it also doesn’t wallow. There are moments of levity, humor, and even joy—like little bursts of grace that give both Bethan and the audience a chance to breathe.
Humor as a Balm
Let’s talk about the humor, because it’s such a key part of the show’s DNA. It’s dark, a little smutty, and undeniably British. If you’re into cheeky banter and that dry, caustic wit that feels like it came straight out of a pub conversation, you’ll find plenty to love. For others, though, it might be a bit much.
As a Christian, you might squirm at some of the cruder jokes or the sharp-edged dialogue, but here’s the thing—there’s a purpose to the humor. It keeps the show from becoming one long, heavy slog through teenage despair. It’s like Proverbs 17:22 in action: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Even in the darkest moments, the humor serves as a reminder that laughter is a gift, even if it comes in unexpected forms.
Themes That Cut Deep
The Pain of Pretending
A big part of Bethan’s story revolves around pretending. Pretending she’s fine. Pretending her home life isn’t a mess. Pretending she’s someone else entirely just to fit in. That’s a theme that hits hard, doesn’t it? How often do we wear masks to make life easier, even if it costs us our authenticity?
The show handles this theme with a lot of nuance. Bethan’s struggles aren’t solved with tidy life lessons or big dramatic moments of clarity. Instead, they unfold slowly, messily, like life does. For Christians, there’s a clear parallel here with the idea of identity in Christ. How often do we forget that our worth isn’t in what others think of us but in being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)?
Mental Illness and the Call to Compassion
One of the most moving aspects of In My Skin is its portrayal of mental illness, particularly through Bethan’s mother, Katrina. The show is unflinching in its depiction of how mental health struggles can ripple through a family, leaving marks on everyone. It doesn’t try to wrap things up neatly, either, which feels both frustrating and honest.
For a Christian viewer, this is where the call to compassion comes in. Watching Katrina struggle might make you think about how often we overlook or misunderstand people dealing with similar issues in real life. It’s a reminder to show grace and patience, reflecting Jesus’s love for the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
The Art of Storytelling
Short and Sweet but Packed
Each episode is just a half-hour long, but they’re dense. It’s like a concentrated dose of storytelling—no fluff, just the essentials. Lucy Forbes, the director, keeps things moving without making it feel rushed, and Gabrielle Creevy’s performance as Bethan is so grounded and real that you can’t help but be drawn in.
The pacing might throw some people off, though. If you’re the type who likes slow-burn storytelling, this might feel a little too fast. But on the flip side, it never feels bloated, and that’s a feat in itself.
Visuals That Hit Home
The show has a distinctive look—gritty but gorgeous, with a loose, almost documentary-style feel. It’s not glossy or overly polished, and that works in its favor. It feels real, lived-in, like you’re peeking into someone’s actual life rather than watching a staged production.
From a Christian perspective, there’s something to be said about the beauty of imperfection. The world is broken, but it’s also breathtaking, and the cinematography captures that tension beautifully.
What Might Give You Pause
Let’s not pretend the show is all sunshine and roses. There are things that might make you hesitate, especially if you’re watching through a Christian lens.
Mature Content
The dark humor, smutty jokes, and some of the behaviors depicted—these might not sit well with everyone. The show doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and while that’s part of its strength, it also means it’s not family-friendly fare.
A Lack of Moral Anchoring
Bethan’s decisions are often impulsive and self-sabotaging, and while the show gives you insight into why she acts the way she does, it doesn’t always provide a clear sense of right and wrong. That’s not a deal-breaker—it reflects the complexities of life—but it does mean the show leans into moral ambiguity more than some might prefer.
Final Thoughts
In My Skin is a lot of things—gritty, heartfelt, funny, painful. It’s not a show that hands you easy answers or wraps everything up in a bow, but that’s part of what makes it so compelling. For Christians, it offers a chance to wrestle with real-life themes through the lens of faith: brokenness, grace, the struggle for belonging, and the hope that light can shine even in the darkest places.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat. Go into it with discernment. Be prepared for the grit and the messiness, but also be open to the moments of beauty and tenderness. It’s not a show for everyone, but for those willing to dive into its world, there’s a lot to reflect on—and maybe even be moved by.
Rating? Let’s call it an 8 out of 10, for its depth, honesty, and artistry, even if it doesn’t always align perfectly with a Christian worldview. If you decide to watch, consider it not just entertainment, but an invitation to think deeply about the complexity of human lives—and the God who loves us through it all.
