In another review I mentioned the strengths and weaknesses of this film without spoilers. Now we get to the nitty gritty.

The basic writing, directing, sets and acting were all superb. Bottom line, a very well-done film, EXCEPT...

To put it delicately... why would someone raise cattle just for the leather and then discard the rest of the carcass?

It doesn't do much good to transplant a new skin when the recipient is old enough to have other vital organs wearing out already. In this aspect, THE ISLAND had pretty much the same premise but made a lot more sense-- harvest ALL the valuable organs (or at least a primary one to save a person's life).

The other thing that made no sense was the prison-like brain-washing routine... which was absolutely unnecessary. They could have had these girls living in a pampered, friendly environment so that they'd never question their situation (which is what they did in The Island... and made a LOT more sense).

In addition, they had these girls on no exercise schedule, and awake only 5 hours a day. That would have guaranteed the worst skin and a degenerative condition. In truth, the only thing they did right from a scientific standpoint is point out they had to start this process young so they could be genetically altered to fit the DNA of the host. Beyond that, the entire premise was ridiculous.

So bottom line, this is a well-done film with a nonsense premise. There just was no reason for the girls being handled as they were... and the "company" limiting itself to just their skins is just plain silly. In short, good film... ludicrous concept. Which kills more than just the girls.

This film is set inside a strange institution. It is populated by young girls who are schooled to be obedient and clean; but not how to read or write. They are there from babyhood to the age of sixteen; each year moving to the next level... they are promised that after Level 16 they will be adopted by caring, wealthy families. They have never seen the sun as they have been told the world outside is polluted. They are also heavily guarded and sleep in locked dormitories.

One day Vivian is warned by another girl, Sophia, not to take her daily vitamin pill; that night all the other girls quickly fall into a deep sleep... Vivian is about to start learning the true nature of the 'school'. The more that is learnt the more disturbing it is for her. Knowing the truth is one thing; getting out will be another.

I really enjoyed this film; it had me gripped from the opening moments to the final scene. It is safe to say most viewers will guess that the school isn't quite what it seems but the truth isn't too obvious. The location is great; just a few rooms and a linking corridor for the most part... this emphasises the claustrophobic nature of the girls' world. Not seeing the outside keeps the viewer in the dark about many things; we don't even know when it is set... the old films the girls watch and certain items make it look as if it could have been set anytime from over fifty years ago to sometime in the future. The cast is impressive; especially Katie Douglas who really shines as Vivien. There are also notable performances from Sara Canning as Miss Brixil, the woman who appears to run the establishment; Peter Outerbridge as Dr Miro; and Celina Martin as Sophia. There isn't too much in the way of violence and gore although there are one or two disturbing scenes. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of thoughtful films that don't require expensive special effects or a big name cast.

Girls are trained in a highly regimented Spartan boarding school. Punishment is harsh and obedience is absolute. They are not taught any reading or math. They are told that once they graduate from level 16, they will be adopted into perfect families. Miss Brixil is the madam of the facility. Dr. Miro is the physician.

The premise is intriguing but it's really only a Twilight Zone episode. While the final reveal is interesting, a reveal is never in doubt. It's really only good for a hour long TV episode. There is a few questionable turns. The escape is highly unlikely. The girls would face strip searches to find that card. The whole facility would be turned upside down. It's too unlikely unless the card could be stolen without being known. There is also the old couple. It makes no sense that they're picking from two different girls. The whole premise is to grow someone out of the client's own DNA. This is a short story unless the two girls can make a quick escape and make a scary trek across the Russian countryside.