'My Skinny Sister' Review

One of my picks from the Toronto International Film Festival this year is My Skinny Sister. Directed and written by Sanna Lenken, the film focuses on two young sisters, as one deals with anorexia, and the other watches her sister crumble. 

With fantastic portrayals by newcomer Rebecka Josephson and Amy Deasismont, the film really digs deep into all the secrets that go into hiding an eating disorder and how it can tear up not just the person suffering, but their whole family. There is also the aspect of the training regimes of young female athletes, and how it can warp their minds. 

The bond between sisters is a strong one, and the young actresses perfectly embody the highs and the lows of that tumultuous teenage time. The parents are the weaker part of the film, as they seem distant and removed, like they have no idea what's going on in their daughters lives, despite apparently being doting parents.

Overall, the perspective from the younger, chubbier sister was an interesting directorial choice from Lenken, and one that paid off, keeping the eating disorder narrative fresh and interesting. The naivety of learning about eating disorders when they're so close but not being the one actually affected.

Overall it was an interesting, thought-provoking film, and definitely worth a Saturday afternoon. The next showing is this Saturday at 12:30 pm. Get more details, and find more TIFF showtimes here.

8/10