Film Review: Under The Skin

Ah, Under The Skin. We meet again.

If you’ve never seen this film, or have only seen it once, I would highly recommend watching or rewatching it. Having immediately dismissed it as categorically unappealing on first viewing, due to the lack of substance and complete state of bewilderment it left me in, a much-needed second viewing has completely altered my perspective.

Director Johnathan Glazer takes an almost Kubrickian approach in his slow-paced, meandering depiction of an alien sent to earth, masquerading as a beautiful and beguiling seductress with an unsettling agenda. ‘The female’, as she is credited, is portrayed with excellence by Scarlett Johansson, who continues to be one of my favourite actresses, particularly due to her consistent evolution and ability to push herself into increasingly different and demanding roles. The film’s exposition is minimal, which leads to the first hour creating confusion as we watch the alien driving through the streets of Scotland, scouting for young men who will fall victim to her beauty, which is somewhat reminiscent of the sirens which feature in ancient Greek mythology. What lies beyond this initial encounter is what makes the film truly harrowing: the alien leads its victims into a black abyss and proceeds to harvest their bodies, the purpose of which is unknown. The unnerving and unearthly feel to these scenes is only intensified further by Mica Levi’s original score, comprising spine-chillingly high-pitched violins, which make viewing this film a truly uncomfortable experience.

Evocative and visually enchanting, the film’s setting consists of beautiful Scottish landscape shots, juxtaposed with grey, gritty high streets, which I feel works perfectly in grounding the film and ensuring the events which unfold seem all the more alarmingly real. As the film progresses, we begin to observe the alien’s increasing self-awareness, notably after luring in a facially disfigured man and then allowing him to leave unscathed. Under The Skin raises a number of questions about human values, principles and attitudes to appearance, intimacy and desire and, at times, cleverly satirises the way beauty, as the film’s title suggests, is often skin deep. This is perhaps most apparent and most poignant during the alien’s conversation with the disfigured man, as mentioned previously.

So why is this film so revered by critics? Well, Under The Skin doesn’t just explore the age-old topic of ‘it’s what’s on the inside that counts’… It takes the formula and twists it, tears it apart, chews it up and spits it back out. I feel like although I noted the film’s attempt at exposing human flaws upon my first viewing, I myself didn’t truly look ‘under the skin’ at how profound the film’s message really is, and how creatively and originally it is delivered. Enrapturing and daring, Under The Skin, whether you enjoy it or not, captivates its audience and forces them to examine the idea of worth based on appearance, through the eyes of a totally neutral being, uninfected by social conditioning and unaware of societal norms. It isn’t a pleasant watch, mind you, but then why would it be? Not every film takes such a disconcerting look at one of society’s most potent and damaging faults.

Words by Georgia Welch