Under the Skin (2013) Review

Under the Skin (2013) Review

It’s hard to find a truly original take on aliens in movies these days, but the filmmakers behind Under the Skin found a way—one that proved to be both confusing and disturbing.

Under the Skin is not heavy on horror, but is aptly titled, because it’s very disturbing throughout nonetheless. An alien, played by Scarlett Johannsen, takes on the form of a woman and lures in men. This is not your typical Hollywood movie. Nothing is explicitly explained, viewers are left to figure it out for themselves. It invites speculation, which some may appreciate, while others may be frustrated by it. 

The first part of the film is mostly just Scarlett Johannsen luring in guys, and it almost feels repetitive, but each time she does it, it’s a bit different. The scenes where she talks to her unsuspecting victims from a van were largely improvised, and the people playing the victims weren’t professional actors, which is an interesting idea, but the execution is flawed. Some of the audio is hard to hear, and though it feels spontaneous, it doesn’t feel wholly believable, either.

The second half of the film is about the alien interacting with people in a different way, and trying to learn, kind of like the T-800 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. There’s a scene where she takes off her clothes and just stands in front of a mirror, inspecting her body. Scarlett Johannsen bears it all, but it doesn’t feel exploitative. It’s an artful, mystifying film, if a bit pretentious, but if you look carefully, you’ll see it’s a pretty original story of an alien trying to learn what it means to be human—if you have the temperament to do so. 

The scariness of Under the Skin lies mainly in the disturbing visuals and soundtrack. There are long stretches without dialogue, and many slow, lingering shots. The scenes where she lures the men are disorienting and strange. It happens in a void, and the men disappear into dark pools of water, or some kind of liquid, and again, no explanation is given. There’s a particularly disturbing scene on a beach that I won’t explain, but it’s the kind of thing that sticks with you. The ending, too, is very melancholic. 

Under the Skin is a difficult movie to review, and more difficult still to recommend. The pace is slow and the story isn’t pleasing, but if you want a sci-fi-horror film wide open for interpretation and don’t mind a lack of closure, then check it out.