All in all, “Skin” has exciting talent involved and is bound to be a heavy film watching experience given the subject matter. “Skin” is an A24 / DIRECTV release, exclusively on DIRECTV June 27 and then in theaters, July 26.

“Skin” is based on a true story and it’s also based on the director, Guy Nattiv‘s controversial Oscar-winning short of the same name co-directed by Jaime Ray Newman. “Skin,” the short, was basically the thesis, test-run, and proof of concept for this feature-length effort and winning the Oscar in the run-up to the full-length movie’s release definitely gives it some clout. Nattiv‘sprevious feature is the 2014 Israeli film “Magic Men.” With “Skin,” Nattiv makes his feature-length English language debut and the movie is also co-produced by established writer/director Oren Moverman (“The Messenger, “Rampart“).

After a difficult childhood drives him into the grasps of a white supremacist gang, Bryon (Jamie Bell, delivering a visceral, explosive performance) tries to escape to a new life, all the while questioning whether he’s capable of undoing— and repenting for — the evil he’s done. Filmmaker Guy Nattiv, whose short film of the same title won the Academy Award earlier this year, makes his English-language feature debut with this galvanizing story of transformation, inspired by actual events.

Bell delivered a scorching performance in “Donnybrook” released earlier this year and it looks like he’ll offer another powerhouse performance in “Skin.” Bell is also surrounded by a solid supporting cast that includes Bill Camp and Vera Farmiga who play his parents. Watch the first trailer below.