Dirty God

Director: Sacha Polak
Screenwriters: Susanne Farrell, Sacha Polak

Institute History

Description

After a vicious acid attack leaves half her body covered in scars, Jade (Vicky Knight) must come to terms with the new life ahead of her: a life in which her young daughter refers to her as a “monster,” co-workers and strangers hurl nasty slurs her way, and physical intimacy seems to be a thing of the past. As an antidote to her rocky home life, Jade revels in South London’s pulsing, rhythmic club scene, but still can’t escape the emotional trauma that accompanies her scars. Desiring the face—and life—she once had, Jade looks into plastic surgery as a quick fix.

In her English-language debut, Dutch writer-director Sacha Polak takes a hard look at the gross discrepancy that underlies society’s perception of external beauty versus internal worthiness. Polak's camera moves tightly with Jade, capturing the quiet defiance and vulnerability of Knight’s performance. In her first film role, Knight beautifully lays bare what it means to be an outsider in one’s own skin, ready to break out at any moment.

— A.D.

Screening Details

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