By Megan Bianco
The genre of science fiction has become a little broader compared to what it was in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Back then it seemed to be primarily associated with the nerdy crowds, but now it’s become one of the more mainstream themes running through entertainment. From recent comedies like The World’s End (2013) to the mega Marvel franchise The Avengers, the genre is currently a making its latest appearance in the artsy cinema world. Adapted loosely from the 2000 novel by Michel Faber, directed by a visionary auteur from the UK named Jonathan Glazer and starring the superstar Scarlett Johansson comes Under the Skin.
In gloomy Glasgow, Scotland, an alien takes form on Earth as a beautiful young woman (Johansson) whose mission is to prey and feed off men. Her tactic is seduction, an most of the young men she lures are attracted to her and don’t realize what they’re in for. Behind her in all of this is another, older alien on a motorcycle (Jeremy McWilliams, a racer in real life) discreetly following the female alien around the country. Her conquests go well until she meets a shy man with a certain ailment.
Under the Skin marks Glazer’s third attempt at directing a feature film outside of his usual area of music videos and commercials. What’s interesting to note is that not only do none of the characters seem to have names (even in the end credits), but all of the actors excluding Johansson, are real Glasgow citizens the filmmakers found on the street. Had the filmmakers never revealed this piece of trivia, viewers might not have realized how candid some of the scenes are, based on the natural chit-chat between Johansson and the men, plus the good direction and editing.
Johansson herself delivers one of her most subtle and best performances since Girl with a Pearl Earring a decade earlier. The alien lead has hardly any dialogue other than “do you need a ride?” and “where are you heading?”, yet captures the audience with her quiet curiosity and presence. Already enjoying success as an action heroine this year as Black Widow next to Chris Evans’ Captain America in Winter Soldier, with Under the Skin Johansson returns to her indie roots and makes a mark in her career that shows her versatility as an actress and also as a movie star.
Glazer himself finally hits his stride as a film director after the bizarre experiment that was Birth (2004). Beginning with the stellar debut Sexy Beast fourteen years ago, it was only a matter of time before the filmmaker would find another hit. Under the Skin brings a softer, but still disturbing aspect to the whole alien invasion trope that might be too much for those not a fan of graphic content on screen. Glazer’s work is not necessarily enjoyed by the average movie-goer, and is usually pretty stark and brutal. Under the Skin is tough to watch and slow in its storytelling, but never dull or predictable. Glazer and Johansson’s low-key effort pays off in an unforgettable way.
Megan Bianco is a Southern California-based movie reviewer and content writer with a degree from California State University Northridge.
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