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Twentysomething Anna (Alexandra McVicker, OCTOBER CROW) finally leaves her small, transphobic hometown for good and quickly begins dating goth tattoo artist Gen (Avalon Fast, CASTRATION MOVIE) after the two discover they share supernatural powers. But before Anna can call up the U-Haul, Gen inadvertently summons a demon through the sick neck tattoo she gives sensitive guitarist Danny (Jordan Dulieu). As Danny — or whatever’s inside of him — begins feeding off their friends, it’s up to Anna and Gen to figure out how to use their powers to save everyone before it’s too late.The sixth-and-latest feature by 20-year-old filmmaking force of nature Alice Maio Mackay (CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS) THE SERPENT’S SKIN is like a trans take on THE CRAFT or the YA horror paperback you wished you had in high school. Returning to the same premise as her early short THE SERPENT’S NEST (2021) and working with a group of trans film luminaries — including producer Louise Weard (CASTRATION MOVIE, FRAMELINE49), editor Vera Drew (THE PEOPLE’S JOKER), and colorist Jessica Dunn Rovinelli (SO PRETTY), all remarkable filmmakers in their own right — THE SERPENT’S SKIN sees the full blossoming of the bold neo-Araki aesthetic that has made Mackay one of the most exciting voices in this current wave of independent trans cinema.
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Director Alice Maio Mackay will be in attendance for a post-show Q&A.
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“A beautiful film, emotionally and aesthetically … that fits right in among the other sure-to-be cult classics in Mackay’s ever-growing oeuvre.” (Chicago Reader)
“This is a fantasy — of belonging, of strength through softness, of being able to protect those you love from everything violent and hateful in this world — but it’s rooted in a lived experience that makes it feel very grounded and authentic.” (Inverse)
“All the inspirational, kitschy parts of your favorite nostalgic fare in a mature, sensitive motion picture with indie credibility. Sure, it’s cheap, but it wears its cheapness like a badge of honor. If this is the future of cinema, I say bring it on.” (TheWrap)
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Wednesday, June 3
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets www.riotheatretickets.ca
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THE SERPENT’S SKIN (Alice Maio Mackay, 2026 / 83 mins / NR) After escaping her transphobic hometown, Anna meets goth tattoo artist Gen. They bond over shared supernatural abilities, but Gen’s tattoo work accidentally conjures a demon before their romance can bloom.
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*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this screening.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.
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1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V5N 1W1
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