Under the Skin review – an intriguing and visually striking sci-fi

by | 1 Apr 2017 | Film Reviews

‘An alien in the form of a young woman is on a journey through Scotland.’

Under the Skin is the latest film from director Jonathon Glazer, who also co-wrote the screenplay, and is a loose adaptation from Michel Faber’s novel of the same name. With only three feature films under his belt, it’s plain to see that with each passing movie, he has edged further and further away from what would be called conventional film making.

Rather, he has moved more in the realm of experimental, arthouse cinema. His last film, Birth (2004), had already caused some controversy back in 2004, with a plot that involved Nicole Kidman’s grieving wife believing a ten year old boy’s story of being her reincarnated husband.

They even had a scene of her and this boy sharing a bath together. It’s fair to say that Glazer goes considerably further with that unconventional approach in Under the Skin, and offers something truly original and hard to wrap your head around. As a result, like Marmite, you’ll either love it, or hate it.

Nothing is spelt out for the audience, but the plot roughly centres around Scarlett Johansson’s nameless alien. In the form of a beautiful young woman. She roams around the streets of Glasgow in her white van picking up unsuspecting men, seducing and luring them to an unpleasant fate. Time goes on, and she slowly begins to grow a conscience, leading to doubts about her purpose in the mission.

Glazer has a made a film that won’t be for everyone. Those who like their films packaged neatly, with a beginning, middle and end, plenty of exposition so you know what’s going on, won’t find it here. Loose ends aren’t wrapped up conveniently by the end, with a satisfying sense of closure. Instead, you’ll be left wondering what on earth you’ve just watched, and be pondering the meaning of it all for ages. If you can except that though, and watch the film for what it is, there’s plenty to get out of it, and enjoy in a more thoughtful, deeper way.

Although a frustrating narrative with no easy answers, what it does have is multiple themes and meanings you can discover. Glazer invites us to come to our own conclusions to what it’s all about, and to draw out our own interpretations. For some, they might be watching a film about what it means to be human and looking at issues of identity. Others, an exploration of feminist and gender themes. Relatedly, it also subverts the common use of viewing women as victims. By having these men happily go with this “woman” without any alarm bells going off in their heads is telling and says something about our culture.

We live in a society that teaches women to be on guard at all times, and that predators could be lurking behind every corner. Men, on the other hand, don’t have that mind-set built into them. In fact, this point is pressed upon even more by having some of the scenes where Johansson’s character attempts to pick up men unscripted. Hidden camera’s were placed in the van so as to get real authentic reactions from the unsuspecting men, who must of thought it was their lucky day.

Not only is Under the Skin rich in themes and open to interpretation, but it’s also a visually striking film. Some of the imagery used accompanies this very cerebral and surreal quality that Glazer is going for, and likewise, some of it is unsettling and uncomfortable. Combined with a haunting and unnerving score, this is a film just as much about mood and evoking an emotional response, as it is about getting us to think and use our brains. One of the closest comparison I can think of to this film is 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), which also had a loose plot to follow, was open to interpretation, and had mind-altering visuals.

The whole film rests on Johansson, and she carries it effortlessly, giving a great and brave performance, as she literally bares all. Having very little dialogue, especially during the final act where she doesn’t utter a word, her motivations and origins are never fully explained. Yet despite her vague nature, she is skilfully able to present a character we, for the most part, can grasp and understand. More than that, she portrays this gradual metamorphosis throughout the movie with a very subtle, physical performance.

At the beginning, she’s this distant and detached lifeform; very focused and driven by her mission, being emotional only when it comes to luring her unsuspecting prey. As the story progresses though, this hunter starts to display actual empathy. There’s a moment where she finally gives in to these feelings, which completely changes the trajectory of her life. From then on, she deviates from her mission and attempts to engage with human life. Throughout this process Johansson does a brilliant job of showing this alien taking part in everyday activities for the first time, instead of just observing them.

Under the Skin is a unique viewing experience, showcasing film making as a true art form, rather than just an entertainment industry and moneymaking machine. With its elusive plot, and inconclusive ending, it’s a film that will linger long after the credits have rolled, and have you desperate to talk theories with fellow fans.’

David Axcell

Film Critic

David has quite a broad taste in film which includes big budget blockbusters and small indie films; including International and Arthouse cinema. As long as it’s good in that particular genre, he’ll watch anything.

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